Gas Water Heater Vent Pipe Installation

A direct vent system pulls in air from outside and then vents the exhaust through a horizontal pipe.

Gas water heater vent pipe installation.

This difference in operation means that you can install a direct vent system almost anywhere. Step 1 gas water heaters need proper venting for operation. Because the new vent pipe is smaller it can often be installed inside the old vent pipe. Before properly venting a gas water heater it s important to determine if there is a proper natural draw.

Discover the differences between single wall vents. Water heater ducts may lead directly outdoors or they may tie into a larger vent duct that also serves a gas or propane furnace or boiler in the home. This venting may either be dedicated to the water heater or can be shared with other atmospheric vent appliances such as a furnace. 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.

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. The national fuel gas code ansi z223 1 nfpa 54 link to 2012 edition. 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. The vent system for a gas fired water heater must be installed according to local and state codes or in the absence of local or state codes the current edition of.

Atmospheric gas water heaters vent their exhaust through a vertical or upward sloping metal duct vent to exit the home. Then hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. The size in gallons of the water heater. Check the installation manual for the recommended diameter vent pipe for your new heater.

All water heater venting systems use a vent duct or pipe also called a chimney or flue to bring exhaust gases from the water heater to the outdoors. Alteration of any part of the factory furnished vent assembly could result in improper operation due to. Connect the vent pipe to the hood with sheet metal screws. Never use a reducer even if the hood s opening is smaller than the vent pipe.

No vent damper whether it is operated thermally or otherwise is to be installed on this direct vent water heater. The duct may be metal or plastic depending on the type of vent system. Use the manufacturer provided draft hood. Snap the new draft hood onto the water heater and secure it with sheet metal screws.