Gas Water Heater Vent Pipe Installation

Venting through existing chimney.

Gas water heater vent pipe installation.

The blower pushes the exhaust and excess heat through the exhaust venting. Gas water heaters need proper venting for operation. 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. 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.

With a replacement high efficiency furnace the existing vent pipe does not work for water heater only because the vent is too large. The smoke should pull into the hood. This guide reviews how to install a gas water heater as well as the removal of gas tank water heaters. Before properly venting a gas water heater it s important to determine if there is a proper natural draw.

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. Then hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. Proper venting prevents backdrafting.

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. Before connecting a vent to a chimney make sure the chimney passageway is clear and free of obstructions. The chimney must be cleaned if previously used.

The photo below shows typical combined furnace water heater venting. When installed correctly this venting arrangement works with an 80 gas furnace or lower than 80 gas water heater. The most common problem associated with water heater venting is a condition called backdrafting in which exhaust gases from the water heater fail to exit the home via the vent and instead end up in the house backdrafting can have many causes but it is most commonly due to poor vent design or installation and or an imbalance of air volume in the home. Many water heaters have an estimated life expectancy of 8 to 12 years.

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. 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.