In the context of a floor plan, "WH" typically stands for "water heater." This designation is used to indicate the location of the water heater within a building, usually in residential or commercial floor plans. Here’s a breakdown of what this means in more detail:
Water Heater (WH)
Purpose: The water heater is an essential appliance that heats water for various uses in a building, including bathing, cooking, cleaning, and space heating, depending on the type of system installed.
Types of Water Heaters:
- Tank Water Heaters: Store a large volume of hot water for immediate use.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.
- Solar Water Heaters: Use solar energy to heat water.
Placement: The water heater is commonly placed in utility rooms, basements, garages, or dedicated closets. The floor plan will show the WH symbol to indicate its location.
Considerations for Design:
- Accessibility: The water heater should be easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
- Ventilation: Depending on the type of water heater, proper ventilation may be required to ensure safety, especially for gas models.
- Space Requirements: Sufficient space around the water heater is necessary for installation and servicing.
- Location Relative to Fixtures: It’s often advantageous to place the water heater near plumbing fixtures (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) to reduce wait time for hot water.
Additional Symbols: In addition to "WH," a floor plan may include other symbols related to plumbing and utilities, and it may indicate the type of water heater through additional labeling (e.g., gas, electric, tankless).
- Building Codes: Local building codes will influence the placement and specifications of the water heater. Compliance is essential for safety and functionality.
When interpreting a floor plan, it’s always prudent to refer to the accompanying legend or key, which will provide definitions for whatever abbreviations or symbols are used, including "WH."