Using the right gas water heater venting options is important to remove all exhaust gases safely. Especially since your water heater will burn fuel to heat the water, creating moisture and exhaust gases.
Things That Could Happen if You Do Not Vent Properly
- Monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is released as a result of the water heater heating process. This gas is dangerous for your health. So, you must ensure it goes out of your house immediately to avoid poisoning.
- Damage
Your water heater can get damaged from overheating if you do not vent the exhaust properly. The heat can melt the daft hood plastic top and create condensation. The moisture will cause corrosion to the water heater’s body.
Read also: Water Heater Burning Smell
- Cannot properly function
Water heaters need oxygen to function properly. If you do not vent properly and carbon monoxide builds up, the water heater will not have enough oxygen.
- Warranty void
Water Heater Company gave their customers a warranty. However, it can only be claimed if the water heater is installed properly, including the venting. So, if you do not vent properly, the warranty might be voided.
Venting Requirements and Code
Each region will have its code for the venting requirements, so you must check with your local regulator for the detailed code. But there are still main requirements that most water heater venting need to fulfill, such as:
- If you use a single-wall pipe, it must have 6 inches of clearance. The vent can’t go through the floor, ceiling, or wall unless they are non-combustible, like concrete or masonry.
- When you use a B-vent-pipe, it needs a 1-inch clearance, or you can use a 0-clearance-vent instead.
- If you vent vertically, then it should have a vent connector. It should also have 0.25 inches of rise for every 12 inches horizontal run. Compliance should be pretty easy since the slope is not that deep. But the horizontal distance should not exceed ¾ of the vertical distance.
- Using a draft hood should have a 12-inch vertical vent minimum before getting the elbow.
- The flue should not be shared with different appliances if you use power-vent.
Gas Water Heater Venting Options That You Can Use
- Direct Vent
This vent type removes the exhaust gases using an inlet and outlet pipe that goes through the wall so it will create some short airflow. Thus, horizontal pipes will be used to move the gases sideways. The inlet and outlet are separated. One pipe will bring air into the water heater while the other is used to bring gases out. That way, natural airflow can be created using this method.
Read also: Can You Lay a Water Heater on Its Side?
- Atmospheric Vent
This vent type removes the exhaust gases using a vertical duct that goes through the roof. It is the most commonly used venting option for various water heaters. With this vent type, the exhaust gases can be released properly outside through the roof. Sometimes, the vent is combined with the building’s for easy usage.
- Power vent
This vent type removes the exhaust gases using an inlet, outlet pipe, and an additional electric fan so the air can flow better. This vent can use vertical or horizontal pipe since it has an electric fan that propels the air. Furthermore, the fan can help cool down the air, so you can use a PVC pipe for this vent and not a metal pipe.
Conclusion As you can see, you can use many venting options for your gas water heater. Remember that the vent should fulfill the requirements, so you must check for local codes to see the exact requirements.
