Gas hot water heaters need to be vented to the exterior of your home. Because gas water heaters heat water by burning natural gas, the combustion of this natural gas creates toxic carbon monoxide gas. If carbon monoxide is not vented to the outside, it will cause significant health problems and may even cause death. The venting is made up of galvanized sheet metal pipe, and it runs from the hot water heater over to the chimney in your home. It must pitch up toward the chimney to permit the hot gases to rise as they leave your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate the vent outlet on the top of the hot water heater. Measure the distance from the vent outlet to the chimney, and make sure that you have enough galvanized sheet metal pipe and elbows.
2. Drill a 4 1/4-inch hole in the chimney with your hammer drill. Ensure that the hole is high enough to allow at least 1/4-inch per foot of pitch from the vent outlet to the chimney.
3. Start at the vent outlet on the hot water heater and install your 4-inch galvanized sheet metal pipe to your chimney. Each piece of pipe will have one end that is crimped and one end that is not crimped. Slide the crimped end 1 1/2 inches into the non-crimped end and fasten with four sheet metal screws.
4. Secure the galvanized sheet metal pipe to the chimney by sliding it 1 1/2-inches into the hole, and caulk around it with high-temperature silicone caulk.
5. Support your pipe every 4 to 5 feet with pipe hanger strap. Wrap the hanger strap around the pipe and screw the strap to a ceiling joist. Maintain a pitch upward of at least 1/4-inch per foot from the vent outlet to the chimney.
6. Caulk around each seam with high temperature silicone caulk. Tool the bead with your finger to work the caulk well into the seam.
Tags: sheet metal, vent outlet, galvanized sheet, galvanized sheet metal, metal pipe, sheet metal pipe, from vent
