Leaks from a water heater can be major depending on where the leak is coming from damage can be to attic flooring insulation drywall and even flooring if it leaks a long time a 50 gallon water heater will overflow the pan and then some if it bursts or the bottom rusts out mold can form from the moisture in your attic.
Gas hot water heater in attic.
Gas water heater the attic space should be appropriately ventilated especially during the summer as the outside temperature and humidity could increase to high values so the attic temperature will reach critical temperatures which will affect the correct working condition of the gas water heater.
As outside temperatures increase the need for proper combustion air and attic ventilation becomes even more critical.
N some areas of the country water heaters both gas and electric are installed in attic spaces.
In addition to all the regular code requirements for a water heater when the water heater is installed in an attic you must first have an attic access hatch that is a minimum of 24 x36 and even more for larger water heaters.
Remember the water heater must fit through the hatch to permit future change outs.
A water heater in the attic saves square footage tank type water heaters are big hulking cylinders filled with anywhere from forty to seventy gallons of hot water.