Gas Water Heater Vent Pipe Installation

Discover the differences between single wall vents.

Gas water heater vent pipe installation.

Venting through existing chimney. Illustration above an unused chimney flue or masonry enclosure may be used as a passageway for the installation of the water heater vent pipe. 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. 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.

Then hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. Many water heaters have an estimated life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. Smith power vent gas water heaters are equipped with an electric blower fan that is installed on top of the water heater which requires an electrical outlet to be close to the water heater. The smoke should pull into the hood.

With a replacement high efficiency furnace the existing vent pipe does not work for water heater only because the vent is too large. Atmospheric venting refers to a system in which exhaust from the water heater naturally rises out of the appliance s combustion chamber then travels up through a standard chimney style flue. The chimney must be cleaned if previously used. 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.

Gas water heaters need proper venting for operation. This guide reviews how to install a gas water heater as well as the removal of gas tank water heaters. 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. It s easier to run the vent if you install a power vented type of natural gas or propane water heater.

The venting can run either vertically or horizontally with a longer line to help with space and sizing issues within your. Before properly venting a gas water heater it s important to determine if there is a proper natural draw. The photo below shows typical combined furnace water heater venting. The blower pushes the exhaust and excess heat through the exhaust venting.

If you need to replace a failing gas water heater or install a new one you need a gas supply line a cold water supply line and a flue connection to divert harmful gases. When installed correctly this venting arrangement works with an 80 gas furnace or lower than 80 gas water heater.