Gas Water Heater Chimney Requirements

Code expert glenn mathewson describes 10 common water heater code issues including confusion about drip pans and drains unsupported expansion tanks and plastic vents lack of combustion air and more.

Gas water heater chimney requirements. The conditions explained in this post also apply to the wood burning appliances. The photo below shows typical combined furnace water heater venting. All water heaters that burn natural gas or liquid propane lp gas require a venting system. The process of burning of the gas is called combustion and it creates heat exhaust gases including highly poisonous carbon monoxide and moisture the water heater s ventilation system removes these byproducts from the home making it a critical safety feature.

These questions answers about codes standards for venting gas fired water heaters were posted originally at gas fired water heater venting be sure to review the codes and standards given there. Consequences of improperly assembled vent pipes problematic chimney flue deteriorating chimney walls can be sometimes fatal fire and carbon. 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.

When installed correctly this venting arrangement works with an 80 gas furnace or lower than 80 gas water heater. Installing a tank water heater might seem easy but homeowners who refinish their basements often create a number of code violations with respect to the water heater. Natural draft gas water heater vent pipe pitch. Illustrations of proper gas fired water heater venting using type b double wall vent pipe through a roof above or through a chimney below include details for the flue vent connector such as the requirement of a minimum vent connector upwards slope of 1 4 per foot of horizontal run.

The blower pushes the exhaust and excess heat through the exhaust venting. For safety water heaters must be vented using a listed and approved venting system that provides adequate size height and draft. Some installation might be a significant challenge or even become impossible due to a water heater height and chimney flue. 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 venting can run either vertically or horizontally with a longer line to help with space and sizing issues within your. 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.