Gas Water Heater Exhaust Pipe Installation

This type of venting system is different from what you see on most gas water heaters.

Gas water heater exhaust pipe installation.

Typically if the existing vent that served both furnace water heater is larger than 4 inches a smaller vent pipe must be installed to serve only the water heater. There are grave liabilities and risks involved in violating basic mechanical and safety standards. It s easier to run the vent if you install a power vented type of natural gas or propane water heater. Gas water heater vent pipe connector must continuously run upward towards the chimney entrance rising not less than 1 4 per linear foot to provide proper draft.

To check the venting on your existing unit close all windows and doors and turn on all gas appliances and exhaust fans and turn up the temperature on your water heater for a few minutes. Natural gas or propane hot water heaters are generally less expensive to operate than electric heaters but installing a standard vent in a house without an existing chimney is expensive. Then hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. Connect the flue hat to the.

See the heater owner s manual for more information. Use a carpenter s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. Some installation might be a significant challenge or even become impossible due to a water heater height and chimney flue connection level in those cases induced draft motor equipped water heater should be considered. Install the water heater in an area with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides to ensure adequate ventilation.

The attached installation instructions from the manufacturer of these water heaters require a minimum vertical rise in the water heater exhaust flue as well as a proper ul listed chimney cap or termination for safe venting of combustion products. The difference is that a power vent water heater pulls in combustion air from the space around the appliance then uses a fan to propel the exhaust through the vent. Because the new vent pipe is smaller it can often be installed inside the old vent pipe. If your water system has a check valve or anti siphon valve on the supply line an expansion tank near the cold intake to the heater will likely be necessary.