How To Vent A Hot Water Heater Without A Chimney

What You Need to Know About Venting a Hot Water Heater

A venting system is required for all water heaters that operate on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas. When a gas is burned, the process is referred to as combustion, and it results in the production of heat, exhaust gases (including very toxic carbon monoxide), and moisture. Due to the fact that it eliminates these waste products from the residence, the water heater’s ventilation system is an essential safety component. In the majority of situations, the kind of ventilation system used is dictated by the type of water heater chosen.

Warning

This page is not meant to be a set of instructions, but rather to serve as a broad overview of how hot water heater venting works. Don’t try to troubleshoot or remedy problems with your hot water heater’s venting on your own, since poor venting can cause serious health concerns in the long run. If you suspect that your hot water heater is experiencing ventilation problems, call a professional right once.

Water Heater Venting Basics

In order to expel exhaust gases from the water heater to the outside, all water heater venting systems make use of a vent duct or pipe, which is also known as a chimney or flue. Depending on the kind of ventilation system, the duct may be made of metal or plastic. In some cases, water heater ducts can be connected directly to the outside, while in others, they can be connected to a larger vent duct that also feeds a gas or propane furnace or boiler in the home. Acommonventconfiguration is the term used to describe this.

While properly designed conventional venting systems are totally effective, if they are not built appropriately, there is the possibility of backdrafting difficulties.

Tip

Once a year, have your gas water heater cleaned and serviced to ensure that the venting system is always in perfect operating order. Gas and propane water heaters, in addition to requiring ventilation, require an air source for combustion. There are two ways in which this might happen: either through the natural ventilation in the house or by a vent pipe that draws air in from the outside.

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Proper Venting Prevents Backdrafting

One of the most prevalent issues that arises when it comes to water heater venting is a phenomenon known as backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when exhaust gases from a water heater fail to depart through a vent and instead wind up inside the household. Backdrafting may be caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which include improper vent design or installation, as well as an imbalance in the amount of air in the residence. Water heater exhaust gas is commonly drawn downward and into the home by the installation of ventilation fans, such as bathroom or kitchen vent fans, which suck air out of the house and produce a suction effect, drawing exhaust gas into the home from the water heater vent.

Some water heater venting systems, such as those that use fan-assisted ventilation or direct venting technologies, eliminate the potential of backdrafting.

Atmospheric Venting

Standard water heaters, which are the most prevalent variety, frequently employ a technique known as atmospheric venting. The vent consists of a vertical or upward-sloping vent duct that connects to a common vent, which is normally located in the ceiling. Natural convection is the only mechanism by which the system operates, and it is based on the idea that hot air rises. The hot exhaust from the water heater naturally rises up through the vent and into the air outside, providing a pull that encourages the upward circulation from the water heater to the outside.

If the atmospheric vent systems are appropriately constructed and the home does not suffer from backdraft concerns, they can function effectively (and without the need of energy).

Power Venting

In addition to the vertical or horizontal vent ducts, water heaters with power venting are equipped with an electric blower fan (which is frequently very silent) mounted on top of the water heater. The fact that the vent does not rely on the buoyancy of hot air means that it may be installed horizontally to exhaust outside the home. Due to the cooler air temperature, PVC pipe may be used for the vent instead of metal pipe, which is necessary for atmospheric venting. The blower is simple to construct and cools the air temperature.

Direct-Vent Water Heaters

The air for combustion in a direct-vent system is obtained through a vent pipe that passes through an outer wall or the roof and into the room. Exhaust gases are vented to the outside either a separate vent duct or a distinct chamber of the same pipe, depending on the configuration (this requires a double-wall vent duct). They effectively “breathe” outside air, which means they are not vulnerable to the effects of backdrafting in your home. As a bonus, they limit the possibility of unintentional fires produced by combustible gases in the vicinity of the water heater.

Water Heaters for Mobile Homes

Water heaters in mobile homes are comparable to those found in regular homes, but they must be specifically constructed for this function. Manufacturers will frequently not warranty a water heater that has been put in a mobile home unless the heater has been explicitly certified for that application. A conventional atmospheric water heater connection in a mobile home frequently necessitates the installation of an exterior access panel. The most probable type of water heater to be found inside a mobile home that does not have access to the outdoors is an enclosed combustion unit with direct venting.

Replacing Your Water Heater? Don’t Overlook This One Key Factor

Water heaters in mobile homes are comparable to those found in regular homes, but they must be specifically constructed for this function. Unless a water heater has been explicitly certified for use in a mobile home, manufacturers will frequently not provide a warranty on one placed in a mobile home.

When installing a typical atmospheric water heater in a mobile home, an exterior access panel is frequently required. An enclosed combustion unit with direct venting is more likely to be found within a mobile home that does not have access from the outside.

Is Ventilation Necessary for Water Heaters?

Is it necessary to ventilate every water heater? No, but despite the fact that water heater technology has advanced significantly in recent years, combustion water heaters continue to be the most frequent. That is, the ordinary water heater continues to burn fuel, whether it is natural gas, oil, or propane, and the combustion of that fuel produces byproducts such as carbon monoxide. In the absence of adequate ventilation for the poisonous fumes produced by burning, contemporary water heating would be a potentially hazardous prospect.

Types of Water Heater Ventilation

Unless you’re searching for a solar- or electric-powered water heater, or unless you live in a warm region and intend to install your water heater outside, you won’t have to worry about ventilation. Outside ventilation is required for virtually all other installations, but not every ventilation system operates in the same manner, and as a result, installation requirements might differ significantly. Figure 1 shows an example of an outside ventilation system.

• Unless you’re searching for a solar- or electric-powered water heater, or unless you live in a warm region and intend to install your water heater outside, you won’t need to worry about ventilation. Outside ventilation is required for virtually all other installations, but not every ventilation system operates in the same manner, and as a result, installation requirements might differ significantly.

O’Brian of Supply House explains that the decision between powered and non-powered venting frequently comes down to how the house is planned out and whether or not there is enough space for the venting to be installed. Image courtesy of supplyhouse.com

Get Help

Even if you want to update to a water heater that vents in the same manner as your previous one, O’Brian suggests talking with a professional. When dealing with potentially fatal gases, it may seem like a basic exchange, but as O’Brian points out, “even slight leakage may be disastrous when dealing with potentially lethal gases.” To put it another way, don’t take any chances. Carry out your study, select an energy-efficient unit with a capacity that suits the demands of your family, and then leave the rest to the HVAC installation.

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Resources

Not all A. O. Smith water heaters require venting within your house, but if you have a gas water heater that does require venting, it’s critical that you use the proper venting material to ensure that the water heater operates safely. Selecting the proper venting for your water heater can assist to guarantee that it performs safely and effectively. Because you may not be aware of the type of vent that your water heater requires, you should call a professional plumbing contractor to assist you in determining the best option for your property.

Standard Atmospheric Vent

Standard atmospheric water heaters are the most popular form of gas water heater used in residential settings. In order to escape the residence, atmospheric gas water heaters must exhaust their exhaust through a vertical or upward sloping metal duct vent. This venting can be devoted to the water heater or it can be shared with other atmospheric vent appliances, such as a furnace, depending on the situation. The principle of atmospheric venting is based on the rise of heated air. This means that the venting must be vertical or upward sloping in order for the hot exhaust to ascend through the venting and out of your home.

Any obstructions or misalignments in your home’s ventilation system may result in the discharge of excess heat and gases into the surrounding environment. It is recommended that you hire a competent plumbing contractor to do the installation.

Power Vent

A. O. Smith is a fictional character created by American author A. O. Smith. The electric blower fan on the top of a power vent gas water heater necessitates the installation of an electrical outlet adjacent to the water heater since power vent gas water heaters are equipped with an electric blower fan. The blower is responsible for pushing exhaust and extra heat through the exhaust venting system. Power vent water heaters may be installed either vertically or horizontally, with a longer line to accommodate concerns with space and dimensions in your home.

Power vents are a more energy-efficient alternative since they are intended to use the heat generated by the exhaust to heat water, resulting in significant energy savings.

It is recommended that you hire a competent plumbing contractor to do the installation.

Power Direct Vent

In situations when there is insufficient air for combustion in the space in which you are putting a water heater and you want flexibility around the installation, power direct vents are employed. Before embarking on this installation path, consult with a skilled plumbing contractor to ensure that you require power direct venting before proceeding. Power direct venting is similar to direct venting in that it employs a blower to draw in air from outside your home for combustion and deliver it straight to your water heater, similar to the way direct venting works.

A power direct vent water heater, which is similar to the power vent design, may be installed with PVC pipe to save money on installation expenses.

Direct Vent

Insufficient ventilation in the installation space of your home makes direct vent gas water heaters the most suitable choice of gas water heater. In contrast to an indirect vent water heater, a direct vent water heater takes air for combustion from outside your home rather than from within. All of the exhaust gases and surplus heat generated by your water heater are vented back into the environment. A direct vent water heater makes use of specific coaxial venting, which features separate chambers for intake air and exhaust air in a single manufactured vent component, which allows for more efficient operation.

They draw and push air from the outside to ensure that there is no backdrafting within your home or building.

When installing and utilizing a gas or liquid propane tank water heater, this can assist to reduce the chances of injury or death. It is recommended that you hire a competent plumbing contractor to do the installation.

Concentric Vent Termination

In a coaxial “pipe in pipe” venting system, concentration refers to a configuration in which both the intake air and the exhaust gas vent through a single common assembly. It is possible to achieve an aesthetically pleasing installation with only a single wall or roof penetration. Concentric venting may be utilized with a variety of water heaters, including direct vent, power direct vent, and tankless water heaters. Direct vent water heaters are the most common. The material of the concentric venting, on the other hand, may change depending on the type of water heater being used.

On a power direct vent tank or tankless water heater, a concentric vent termination can be utilized to achieve the same benefits of a single wall or roof penetration while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing vent termination.

It is recommended that you hire a competent plumbing contractor to do the installation.

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Gas Water Heater Venting Options

When it comes to installing an agas-fueled water heater in your house, you’ll want to take your time and plan out the installation well before beginning. For example, what are your gas water heater venting alternatives are a significant issue. We’ll go over each form of venting in detail, as well as the criteria and some of the potential water heater venting issues that you could run into in the future.

Wate Heater Vent Types

Whenever you undertake a job like installing an agas-fueled water heater in your house, you should plan ahead of time and think things out thoroughly. For example, what are your gas water heater venting choices are a major concern. We’ll go over each form of venting in detail, as well as the requirements and some of the potential water heater venting issues that you could come into in the process.

Atmospheric

If you have an atmospheric venting system installed, your exhaust will naturally vent out of the building. As a result of its buoyancy, the exhaust will escape through a vertical pipe, most typically up a chimney, where it will be expelled permanently from the house. The air utilized for combustion is drawn from the environment within the home (or garage).

The most frequent method of venting a gas water heater is via the atmosphere. It is important to note that the major difficulty with atmospheric vent systems is that they are prone to back drafts (more on that later).

Power

If your water heater has a power-vent setup, it indicates that it circulates air using a mechanical fan to do this. One advantage is that you may vent either vertically or horizontally, and you can position the water heater at a considerable distance from the termination point (often as much as 150′) without compromising performance. This sort of installation may be done in residences that do not have a chimney. You must vent your water heater via stainless steel or metal pipe, regardless of whether you have a tank or tankless water heater.

A condensing unit, which will allow you to vent through PVC pipe, is the only method to eliminate this problem entirely.

Direct

Direct vent systems are distinguished by the presence of a sealed combustion chamber and a flue pipe. Double-wall pipes allow them to be vented individually or in conjunction. Direct-vent water heaters, as opposed to atmospheric water heaters, provide greater installation freedom since they may vent horizontally. In addition, they are more silent than their power-venting counterparts when in operation. This Wikipedia page on water heaters may be useful if you have more general questions about them.

Gas Hot Water Heater Venting Problems

Back-drafting is an issue that you should avoid at all costs. This is most typically seen with atmospheric arrangements, and it indicates that your exhaust is not exiting the building properly. Back-drafting is typically caused by an insufficiently designed vent system. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• The top of the water heater has corroded due to corrosion. Plastic has melted towards the top of the structure, near the draft hood
• Condensation

A manual test can also be performed. By closing all of the doors and windows, turning off the furnace, and leaving the water heater alone, you may isolate the water heater from the rest of the house. If you see warm air near the draft hood, this indicates that your system is back-drafting air.

Water Heater Venting Requirements

The key is to ensure that your ventilation system has the appropriate amount of size, height, and draft. Here is a list of some minimal minimum requirements, but please do not consider this to be a full list. You will be required to examine and adhere to all applicable local and state codes throughout your stay.

• When venting vertically through the roof, you’ll almost always need to utilize a vent connection to keep the air flowing. Please keep in mind that it must have a rise of 1/4″ per 12″ of horizontal run in order to function properly. Because there isn’t much of an incline, maintaining compliance isn’t normally a problem. This means that the total horizontal distance cannot be greater than 75% of the total vertical distance
• A standard B-Vent chimney pipe requires 1″ clearance, although there is zero-clearance pipe available as an alternative. You must have 6″ clearance for a single-wall pipe, and you cannot run it through a ceiling, floor, or wall unless it is made of masonry or concrete (non-combustible materials). When connecting the draft hood, you must allow for at least 12″ of vertical venting before inserting an elbow fitting into the line. If you have a power vent water heater, do not place it near other appliances that use the same flue.

Check Out Other Helpful Guides

Resources that are related to this topic include: How to Light a Gas Water Heater in 7 Easy Steps Installation of a Gas Water Heater How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple in 5 Easy Steps On a water heater, how do you clean the thermocouple? How to Turn On a Hot Water Heater (with Pictures)

Gas Water Heater Venting Options

Learn how to choose the most appropriate water heater venting choice for your home’s safe, dependable, and cost-effective water heating needs. Find out more about the distinctions between atmospheric, power-vent, and direct-vent systems. The right design of a venting system for a natural or propane gas water heater is essential for the safe removal of flue gases (byproducts of combustion) to the outside and the drawing of fresh air for optimal gas combustion. The water heater’s complete BTU output must be accommodated by the venting system, which must be properly sized.

Depending on where the new gas water heater will be installed, several venting techniques should be considered in order to provide the most inexpensive, safe, and dependable water heating possible.

When picking a good model, flexibility in venting is quite vital, so look for a water heater that has a variety of installation alternatives available.

Types of venting systems

There are three types of venting systems often used in home water heating: atmospheric, direct-vent, and power-vent. The first two are the most common. They utilize flue ducts or a chimney to exhaust the exhaust gases from the water heater and vent them to the outside. Flue ducts can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the venting method being used.

Atmospheric venting

Water heater powered by natural gas The most popular form of gas water heater is the atmospherically vented type, which employs buoyancy to transport flue gases from the unit to the outside atmosphere. The vertical metal pipe used by the atmospherically vented heater, which is occasionally attached to the chimney, is used to vent the heater. The hot flue gases ascend naturally via the draft hood and flue pipe and are expelled into the surrounding environment (natural convection). The air used in the combustion process is obtained from within the home.

The low cost, ease of installation, and ease of operation of this sort of venting are all advantages of adopting it.

They are capable of operating without the use of power.

Direct venting

Direct-vent water heaters are constructed with a sealed combustion chamber, and they typically vent through the exterior wall using a horizontal flue pipe that runs directly through the wall and out. They do, however, require zero tolerance in order to ensure the appropriate and safe movement of flue gas. Direct vent variants can employ a separate vent pipe or double-wall vents (coaxial) to pull in fresh air, allowing them to be fitted practically anyplace because of their flexibility. Direct vent heaters, with their airtight design, offer greater installation freedom than the previously mentioned atmospheric kind, and they are also quieter than power vent heaters, which use electric fans to circulate air.

Backdrafting has no effect on direct vent heaters since they are not exposed to it.

Power venting

Heaters that employ a mechanical fan to exhaust the results of combustion to the outside are known as power-vent water heaters. They are pricey, but they provide a great deal of flexibility throughout the installation process. Vertical or horizontal installation of the ventilation system is possible, and the unit can be located a long distance away from the point of termination. Long vent pipes, measuring up to 150 feet in length, are used by some water heaters. The majority of the time, combustion air is obtained from within the residence.

Due to the lower temperature of the exhaust gases, condensing units, on the other hand, may employ pipes made of a variety of various and less expensive materials, such as PVC and CPVC, which are also easier to install.

Because of the noise generated by the fan, it is not suggested to place power vented heaters adjacent to the living room or bedroom.

Because the electric fan must be powered, they must be located close to an electrical outlet to ensure that they are not hampered. Heaters of this type must be installed in a room with appropriate ventilation. They are more expensive than other sorts. – Locate Plumbers in Your Locality –

Venting layout

In order to exhaust the results of combustion to the outside atmosphere, power-vent water heaters employ a mechanical fan. Even though they are costly, they provide a great deal of flexibility throughout the installation process. Vertical or horizontal installation of the ventilation system is possible, as is placement of the unit far away from the termination point. Long vent pipes, up to 150 feet in length, are used by some water heaters to exhaust the heat. In most cases, combustion air is obtained from within the residence.

• Although condensing units employ pipes made of different and less expensive materials such as PVC and CPVC, they are easier to install because of the reduced temperature of the exhaust gases.
• Because of the noise generated by the fan, it is not suggested to install power vented heaters near the living room.
• Such heaters must be installed in a space with sufficient ventilation to operate well.
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Venting problems

Reverse osmosis (backdrafting) is a problem that occurs frequently with water heater ventilation systems. Backdrafting is a condition in which exhaust gases, instead of departing the vehicle outside, enter the residence. Because the draft approach is unreliable, this is an issue that frequently occurs in atmospheric-vent model calculations. Poor vent design and inadequate draw, blockages in the flue pipe, and outside pressure are all factors that might contribute to backdrafting. One common installation problem is to have inadequate pitch upward and bends near to the draft hood, which causes hot gases to not be able to climb as rapidly as they should.

• Water inlet/outlet rings, which are placed on the top of the water heater and next to the draft hood, have become partially melted. In some cases, exhaust gases might concentrate at the top of the heater, resulting in corrosion. Heavy condensation might also form on the cold water pipes that are close by.

To avoid the problem, perform the following checks to ensure that the water heater has the necessary draft:

• Close all of the doors and windows in your home. Turn off the furnace if it shares a chimney with the other one. Before the test, turn on the heater and let it running for a few minutes. Backdrafting is caused by a water heater that is not properly vented. To check for backdrafting, place your palm close to the draft hood and feel for warm and damp air flowing out. You may also use a mirror to help you. Maintaining it in close proximity to the draft hood can reveal whether or not it is fogging up. Cobwebs can also serve as a visual cue to alert you to the presence of a problem. A matchstick can also be used to see if the smoke is being pushed away from the hood
• This method is less accurate.

Installation tips

Please remember that water heaters must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as well as any applicable local or national norms and laws. Utility or mechanical rooms, garages, closets, and other restricted or unconfined spaces are common locations for gas water heaters to be put in the home. Ventilation air must be given in the appropriate volume, which varies depending on the vent type and the presence of combustion provisions. A venting system must be examined and cleaned at least once a year in order to function properly.

This includes the vent pipe, flue baffle, and draft hood, among other components. Venting the gas water heater properly is critical for its safe operation, since a poorly built system can result in incomplete gas combustion, difficulties with the water heater’s functioning, and injuries, even death.

Related

When it comes to correctly venting a hot water heater through a wall, it is important to first understand the many types of venting that are available to you to choose from. You can refer to the following list of popular water heaters, which includes information on the sort of venting they require for installation. This page also includes information on installing water heaters in mobile homes, which requires special care in such sensitive settings. For more details, see the related article.

Atmospheric Water Heater

Water heaters that operate on air pressure are quite prevalent. This water heater may be found in a variety of residences, including mobile homes, where it must be installed outside to function properly. Environmental venting works by using the pressure and temperature differentials that exist between the outside and interior of the home to move exhaust gas upward and across the vertical pipe. When used with this sort of water vent heater, any standard vent will typically function properly; however, it will be more susceptible to being back drafted.

If you notice any of these indicators, you should contact your gas company immediately, and if they are not accessible, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid any illness or property damage from occurring.

In the event that you decide to install or replace your current water heater with a portable one, make sure you get a portable hot water heater as well.

You need also make certain that there is an external panel that will be able to reach the specific water heater, which should only be the case if you will be using the correct water heater.

Direct Vent Water Boiler

Besides the direct vent water boiler, there are a few more types of water heater venting that you should be familiar with. The air that will be utilized for combustion will be supplied by the water vent, which will be located either on the roof or on the exterior of the wall, depending on the location. This vent also provides for the release of off-gasses to the outer environment. By bringing in fresh air from the outside, you will be able to reduce the likelihood of unintentional fires caused by flame-creating gases that may be present in the vicinity of your hot water heater.

1. One advantage of a direct vent model is that it will aid in the elimination of any problems that may have arisen as a result of insufficient interior ventilation.
2. Because only one pipe is required to pass through the roof or wall where clean air is transported and off-gasses are vented, only one pipe is necessary to pass through the roof or wall.
3. In your mobile home, the direct or indirect combustion should be sealed at all times.
4. If you intend to replace your existing water heater with a new one of the same type, you should be sure you replace it with an identical unit.

As a result, combustion water heaters in mobile homes vent over the roof as if they were typical atmospheric gas water heaters. It does, however, obtain its fresh air through a bottom intake air vent that goes below the temporary house and out to the outside of the building.

Ventilated Water Heater

The power ventilated water heater is the final type of hot water heater vent that we will discuss in this article today. These power vent variants are equipped with a blower that is frequently exceptionally silent. It is located at the very top of the water heater and may be used in both horizontal and vertical applications depending on the configuration. It is possible to operate it horizontally since the vent does not require the buoyancy of hot air to function properly. The blower also helps to keep the air cold, which allows the vent to move more smoothly through the PVC pipe.

If you decide to take this blower into consideration, keep in mind that you will require an electrical outlet within 6 feet of the blower.

All you have to know is that venting any water heater is quite crucial and required for a comfortable living environment.

House Water Heater Vent Pipe Tips & How To Do It Right

The power ventilated water heater is the final type of hot water heater vent that we shall discuss on this day. These power vent variants are equipped with a blower that is frequently exceedingly silent. Located at the top of the water heater, it is capable of being used in both horizontal and vertical installations. Because the vent does not require the buoyancy of hot air, it may be operated horizontally. The blower also helps to keep the air cold, which allows the vent to move smoothly through the PVC pipe.

This blower will require an electrical outlet within 6 feet of the blower, so please keep that in mind while considering it.

Simply remember that venting any water heater is quite crucial and necessary for a comfortable living environment to exist.

• Vent pipe draft hood, water heater vent pipe material, water heater vent pipe connectors, water heater vent pipe pitch, and water heater vent pipe corrosion are all covered. Clearances and limits around water heater vent pipes

House Water Heater Venting Video:

I strongly propose that you read House Brick Chimney Problems if you want to completely comprehend natural gas water heater venting in your home. Achieving the Proper Chimney Flue Sizing for Your Gas Water Heater and Furnace – several of the water heater vent pipe parameters listed below are dependent on a properly working and fitted chimney! Check out my latest post, which explains tankgas water heater maintenance and water heater check in detail. It is quite crucial!

There are two common natural draft gas water heater vent pipe systems:

• Read House Brick Chimney Problems for a comprehensive understanding of natural gas water heater venting in a house. Sizing Guidelines for Gas Water Heaters and Furnaces – a number of the water heater vent pipe conditions indicated below are dependent on a properly running and fitted chimney! Go ahead and read my new post about tank gas water heater maintenance andwater tank check. It’s critical to remember this.

Using a natural draft gas water heater vent pipe system is still the most common method of venting, and it is permissible to do so as long as the property has appropriate structural characteristics and a chimney designed specifically for use with gas-burning equipment. Most connections for natural draft gas water heater vent pipes would resemble the one shown in the figure (one of the issues with these connections is the lack of screws at the draft hood). However, there are certain exceptions to this rule.

There might be a number of different versions. some excellent, some awful, of course. Assuming that you are completely ignorant of the issue of water heater vent pipe installation, the following is how natural draft gas water heater venting should be installed:

Water heater vent pipe draft hood

A draft hood should be put on top of a natural draft gas water heater, in the middle area of the water heater, directly above where the water heater vent is located. It is supported by three to four short legs, which are either screwed to the water heater top plate, or (depending on the design) have the ends of the legs fashioned like pins or hooks, which are fitted into the holes in the water heater top cover. To ensure effective operation of the gas water heater’s vent pipe system, the Draft Hood must be correctly centered above the vent hole and its legs must be straight; any misplaced or deformed draft hoods should be repaired or replaced as needed.

My guess is that you are aware of how hazardous Carbon Monoxide may be.

1. Adding more air to a gas water heater draft hood allows the combustion process gases to be correctly drawn out of the burner chamber (located at the water heater’s base), into the water heater vent pipe and the chimney. Down-draft-preventing gas water heater draft hoods function as a device that stops air from extinguishing the gas burner in the event of down-draft (a circumstance in which the vent pipe / chimney is forced back into it by the wind).

Gas water heater draft hoods are available in a variety of sizes, and if you are changing your water heater, be sure that the draft hood and the water heater vent pipe are the same size as each other. Using an adapter / increaser, you can connect two different diameters of vent pipe together if the draft hood that comes with your water heater has a top opening diameter built for 3′′ vent pipe and you have 4′′ vent pipe installed. It is not necessary to downsize a gas water heater draft hood if it is bigger and intended to accommodate a 4′′ pipe.

Replace the smaller-sized vent pipe with a larger-sized vent pipe that meets the requirements: -most 30 gallons, 40 gallons, and 50 gallons gas water heaters utilize a 3′′ diameter vent pipe; some 50 gallons may require a 4′′ diameter vent pipe; and 75 gallons and more will require a 4′′ diameter vent pipe.

Natural draft gas water heater vent pipe material

You should stick to galvanized steel pipe for natural drafts and avoid experimenting with other materials such as aluminum pipes, food cans with both ends cut off, stainless steel sections, blue stove pipes, high temperature plastic tubing, flexible pipes, and so forth. Reduce the length and straightness of the vent pipe portion between the water heater and the chimney to the greatest extent feasible. Single wall vent pipes are often measured by their horizontal length, which is equal to or shorter than 75% of their total developed height, according to standard practice.

Draft hood and gas water heater vent pipe connections

When connecting the draft hood and the vent pipe, sheet metal screws should be used to hold the connection together – three screws per connection on a single wall pipe is advised. Use of standard duct tape to fasten or seal connections is not recommended. Some building inspectors would not even allow aluminum tape to be used on joints in certain situations. For the simple reason that it conceals flaws such as rust or holes growing on the surface. If you are using a B-vent, which is a double-walled vent pipe, you should only use screws on the first connection – either to the draft hood or to the single-walled water heater vent pipe – since the second connection is not required.

When connecting smaller dimension double wall to double wall vent pipe sections, twist lock fittings are used instead of screws; however, when connecting bigger diameter B-vent pipes, screws may be required on the joints.

Natural draft gas water heater vent pipe pitch

Sheet metal screws should be used to fasten the connection between the draft hood and the vent pipe – three screws per connection on a single wall pipe is suggested. When securing or sealing connections, do not use conventional duct tape. Aluminized tape is not permitted on joints by some building inspectors. Why? Simply because rust or holes growing on the surface are concealed by this material. If you are using a B-vent, which is a double-walled vent pipe, you should only use screws on the first connection – either to the draft hood or to the single-walled water heater vent pipe – since the second connection will be weakened by the screws.

Natural draft gas water heater vent pipes corrosion

The condition of WH vent pipes should be checked on a regular basis for corrosion and degradation. In most cases, problems with adequate drafting, chimney conditions, and combustion air concerns are the root causes of galvanized pipe corrosion. Small holes begin to emerge on their surface; the most prevalent locations are around the bottom section of the product and on connecting points. At some point, the wall of a corroded gas water heater vent pipe becomes exceedingly fragile, and it may even collapse when subjected to even modest pressure.

Water heater vent pipe clearances and restrictions

Installation of a single wall gas water heater vent pipe / connection cannot be done closer than 6 inches from any flammable materials (e.g., floor / wall frame, paper, and so forth). A pyrophoric environment and a fire danger might be created by such an installation. When a material burns spontaneously at a substantially lower temperature when subjected to heat on a continuous basis, this is referred to as the pyrophoric state. So, for example, if something would usually ignite at 500 degrees Fahrenheit, by applying steady heat to it, the ignition temperature might be reduced to, say, 250 degrees Fahrenheit — this is just an example.

• It is not possible to use single wall natural draft gas water heater vent pipe in unheated areas such as the attic or garage (even if only partially penetrating that space), because such vent pipe installation will cause excessive condensation on the vent pipe walls and compromise proper drafting – double wall pipe or B-vent type is required
• Inaccessible places such as walls, ceilings, and other inaccessible regions cannot be served by single wall natural draft gas water heater vent pipe
• Instead, double wall type vent pipe / B-vent must be constructed

Considering transferring your natural draft gas water heater to the garage or basement storage area? Check out this critical piece of information: the specifications for a garage water heater. More information about natural draft water heater venting may be found in the gaswater heater vent pipe clearances page. a group of in-house writers under the direction of a former Illinois home inspector CTH Expert material is seen by over 2,000 people every day and is dedicated to answering the numerous questions that house owners and home purchasers have about their homes.

How To Vent a Gas Water Heater

Water heaters with gas burners, similar to a furnace, may emit dangerous gases including carbon monoxide, which is a byproduct of the fuel used to light the burner and heat the water in the tank, regardless of whether the fuel is natural gas, oil, propane, or another fuel.

In the same way that you need good venting for your furnace, you need adequate venting for your water heater to exhaust the harmful gases to the outside of your home in order to keep you and your family safe.

What you need to know about venting a gas water heater

Typically, the fumes from a typical gas water heater are expelled by a back draft insert and a flue. In order to prevent air from entering the top of the water heater and increase heat distribution in the tank, a back draft insert is installed. The flue is the venting system that allows fumes to escape safely from the house and be expelled into the outside air. An electric water heater that is equipped with atmospheric venting or direct venting will allow the fumes to exhaust naturally by rising straight up through a vertical vent that is routed to the home’s chimney or through an upward sloping vent that may be routed through the chimney or through a wall and out to the home’s outside.

On some gas water heater types, a power vent blower fan will be employed to suck the exhaust gases out of the chimney and into the atmosphere.

Because the power vent makes use of a fan motor to drive the exhaust gases down the flue, the venting may be made longer and more horizontal, allowing you to choose from a wider variety of installation locations for your water heater.

Venting requirements

While you should always check your local building rules to ensure that you are installing water heater venting in the appropriate manner, the following are some general suggestions to follow:

• The use of Type B metal flue piping with a diameter of three or four inches will be required if your water heater is designed to be vented into the atmosphere or directly into the atmosphere. A power vent system for water heaters can be vented using Schedule 40 PVC plastic tubing with a minimum diameter of two inches since the blower helps cool the air flowing through, however other experts say metal pipe is the safest option. Between the draft hood outlet and the first elbow or connector, there should be a minimum of 12 inches of vertical venting. Whenever possible, semi-horizontal pipe should have an upward slope of at least one quarter-inch per foot when used for direct venting. In order for the venting to function properly, the semi-horizontal distance should not exceed 75% of the total vertical height of the venting. In order to prevent air leaks, the venting pipe must be properly sealed where it runs through a wall or into the chimney. An UL-listed chimney or vent cap must be utilized to seal off the opening when venting through a chimney or other opening.

Additional gas water heater venting information and safety tips

• It is important to note that a direct venting system will draw combustion air from outside the residence (via the exhaust venting), whereas a power vent system would draw combustion air from the room air that surrounds the water heater. As a result, water heaters equipped with a power vent should not be put in tiny, enclosed locations. If space constraints necessitate the installation of the water heater in a utility closet, ensure that the closet doors are louvered or that enough room is provided at the top and bottom of the doors to allow for increased air movement. A power vent system may necessitate the installation of a slanted exhaust vent in order to adequately drain moisture that has accumulated in the pipe. Because gas water heaters operate on an open flame, keep flammable things such as paint cans away from the device. Because there is always the possibility that exhaust gases from a gas water heater or furnace can escape into your home, one or more carbon monoxide detectors should be put in your home near the bedrooms. It is necessary to check the detector batteries on a regular basis.

Find the right water heater parts with Repair Clinic

Repair Clinic sells the appropriate replacement parts for your water heater model, including those produced by Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Richmond, and Whirlpool. From powervent fan motors and pressure switches to burner assemblies and anode rods, Repair Clinic has the components you need. Enter the whole model number of your water heater into the search bar on the Repair Clinic website to get a complete list of components that are compatible with your equipment. Repair Clinic’s DIY content collection also has videos and articles on a variety of topics, including how to troubleshoot common water heater problems, how to test specific components, and how to install replacement parts.

Water Heater Venting – Don’t Take Chances – DEATH – AsktheBuilder.com

Ventilation of a Water Heater | Is it possible to see the error in this photograph? Because the vent pipe is smaller than the aperture given by the water heater manufacturer, the water heater is less efficient. When the homeowner discovered this, he promptly erected a 4-inch pipe between the heater to the chimney. Copyright till the year 2021 Tim Carter is an American actor and singer who is best known for his role in the film The Hunger Games.

Water Heater Venting TIPS

• Ventilation of a Water Heater Is it possible to see the error in this picture? The vent pipe has been shrunk in size in comparison to the aperture supplied by the water heater’s maker. When the homeowner discovered this, he promptly constructed a 4-inch pipe connecting the heater to the chimney. In 2021, the copyright will be protected. Tim Carter is an American actor and singer who is best known for his role as Tim Carter in the film Tim Carter

DR. TIM: DEAR TIM: My heating system was recently replaced with a more energy-efficient model, which I am quite pleased with. The new furnace exhausts straight to the outside through a hole in the wall. My water heater is the only thing that is venting into the brick chimney at the present time. In my chimney, I’m concerned about possible exhaust gas harm that might be caused by the gases.

What are your thoughts on whether it is required to have a chimney liner installed? Robert K., CTDEAR, Norwich, Connecticut ROBERT: The proper venting of any fuel-burning equipment is a major matter of safety.

Should Vent Pipes Meet the Code?

The water heater vent pipes must be in compliance with the current building code requirements. They have the potential to be lethal. It is possible that the vent for your freshly orphaned water heater was not verified by the furnace contractor before installation. Many building regulations require that, once a structure has been renovated or changed, all fuel-burning appliance vents be sized in accordance with the code.

What is an Orphaned Water Heater?

If your water heater vents onto a chimney flue liner that was previously utilized to collect the exhaust gas from your water heater and furnace, you have an orphaned water heater. Instead of venting down the chimney, a modern high-efficiency furnace may now vent through a plastic pipe that exits a sidewall of the residence. As a result, the water heater vent is now a lonely orphan in the fireplace. I recommend that you speak with an inspector from your local building or fire department. These two government employees should be able to give you with the information you need to guarantee that your hot water heater and chimney are up to code.

Are Water Heater Drafting Dynamics Complicated?

The mechanics of drafting are difficult to understand. Traditional brick chimneys and fireplaces are built to exacting standards with accurate measurements. They were created and sized for the purpose of venting extremely hot flue gases from ancient coal, wood, and low-efficiency natural gas furnaces. Modern gas furnaces and water heaters have far lower exhaust gas temperatures than previous equipment because they capture significantly more heat, resulting in less money being wasted up your chimney.

Consider what would happen if the massive boilers of your local power plant attempted to exhaust through your home’s chimney.

Will Water Heater Exhaust Go Up in a Large Chimney?

On the contrary, if you attempted to exhaust the exhaust gases from your furnace and water heater into a power plant chimney, it is extremely likely that the exhaust gases would not ascend. It is filled with a column of chilly, thick air as it rises through the power plant’s massive chimney. If you had a tiny quantity of warm, or hot, air coming from your water heater, it would be difficult to counteract the descending air that is attempting to enter your home. If this were to occur, it would have the potential to pull some of the exhaust gas back into your basement.

Will an Oversized Flue Liner Create Condensation?

If the flue liner is too large, it will cause condensation difficulties. It is possible that the exhaust gas temperature from the heater will not be adequate to sufficiently heat the dense brickwork to prevent condensation from developing. This is the crux of the problem. It’s possible that the current flue liner in your chimney is too large to accommodate the orphaned water heater. As a result, condensation problems inside masonry chimneys might arise in some circumstances. During the combustion of natural gas, water vapor is produced as a byproduct.

Sometimes the condensed water contains acids that might cause chemical damage to poor-quality mortars if they are not properly maintained.

Should I Use a Stainless Steel Liner?

If your high-efficiency water heater or furnace exhausts into a brick chimney, it’s recommended to utilize a stainless steel chimney liner to prevent corrosion. An installation kit for installing a stainless-steel liner within a bigger masonry chimney clay flue is included in this package. BUY THIS KIT RIGHT NOW BY CLICKING ON THIS IMAGE.

Does a Furnace Help Keep a Chimney Warm?

Your old, inefficient furnace cycled on and off repeatedly before you replaced it with a new high-efficiency furnace. The heat from this procedure kept the interior of the chimney nice and toasty. That source of heat has been turned off. Despite the fact that the water heater contributes heat to the chimney during its off cycle, it may not be sufficient to “prime the vent,” as the saying goes. CLICK HERE to receive FREEFAST BIDS from local chimney sweeps who can evaluate your chimney for faults and provide you with a written estimate.

Who Produces Building Codes?

There are a plethora of groups that create building codes at the moment. Over a period of many years, the American Gas Association() and the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.() collaborated on the development of the National Fuel Gas Code. This code, as well as other universal building regulations, offers tables and charts that individuals may use to correctly design and construct chimneys for fuel-burning equipment, as well as other useful information. The Gas Research Institute is now doing research that may result in improvements to the methods of sizing masonry chimneys in the future.

How Big Can the Chimney Flue Liners Be?

You may perform a short inspection of your chimney to determine if it complies with an ancient rule of thumb as well as certain modern requirements. The diameter of the exhaust pipe that exits your water heater should be measured. If the exhaust pipe is a circular metal exhaust pipe with a diameter of 3 inches, the interior cross-sectional area of the clay or masonry chimney flue liner should not be more than 49 square inches. The majority of flue liners are square or rectangular in shape. For example, if the square is 7 inches on the sides, the inner dimension should not be greater than 7 inches on the sides.

If the metal round metal exhaust pipe has a diameter of 4 inches, the cross-sectional area of the flue liner should not be greater than 88 square inches.

Can I Slide a Metal Liner Into a Larger Flue Pipe?

If you discover that your chimney does not meet regulatory requirements or is excessively huge, you can lower the size of the liner by installing a smaller one.

There are corrugated metal pipes that have been certified for use in chimneys that may be snaked down the chimney and connected to the exhaust pipe of your heater.

What is a Slurry Solution for Relining a Chimney?

Cement slurry pumped over a big inflatable bladder is one method used by certain chimney contractors to lower the size of their chimneys. Cement and vermiculite mortars with low moisture content can also be utilized to produce a new inner lining for a structure. If you decide to reline your chimney, be certain that you do it under the supervision of experts from your local building department. CLICK HERE to receive FREEFAST BIDS from local chimney sweeps who can evaluate your chimney for faults and provide you with a written estimate.