Gas Water Heater Exhaust Pipe Installation

Step 1 gas water heaters need proper venting for operation.

Gas water heater exhaust pipe installation.

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. Connect the flue hat to the. Use a carpenter s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. There are grave liabilities and risks involved in violating basic mechanical and safety standards.

Align the water heater to ensure easy access to the burner and controls. 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. 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. Then hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. Because the new vent pipe is smaller it can often be installed inside the old vent pipe. See the heater owner s manual for more information.

Install the water heater in an area with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides to ensure adequate ventilation. 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. 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. This type of venting system is different from what you see on most gas water heaters.