Water heater vent installation

Hey guys, how would you articulate the installation defects at this water heaters vent. Looks off in a couple areas to me. Thanks



What looks off other than what appears to be a category iii 4" vent going in a 3"?

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I am not seeing chimney liners and Ferncos as options on the Noritz site.

That rubber connector is something I noticed to. Never seen that before

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Plus, shouldn’t there be a draft hood above the unit. The flex vent is just connected right to the unit.

This should help you with your questions.

SBB80J6-2C_001_013_E_J.indd (noritz.com)

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Looks like single-wall when it should be Type B (double-wall). Fire hazard. This was a gas furnace I recently called out for the same issue - plain as day in the thermal image, could definitely fry an egg on that pipe.

Thanks Brian, appreciate the feedback

This is from a different unit, but still related to water heater venting. I had this units exhaust vent directly into one of the fascia boards. If I’m not mistaken, as long there is 3 inches of clearance its technically allowed right? I also didn’t see any heat collars at the ceiling while it penetrated the wall or ceiling. Any feedback is appreciated, thanks guys.




Erik, the make and model number will help with the installation instructions to help answer your questions.

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Thanks Larry. I’ll take a look at it.

Something about those flue pipes traveling thru the living space looks off. The exhausts look reduced outside. And your clearance concerns from combustible materials may be valid. And where is the combustion air source? I would definitely have to check on that if that was my inspection.

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Really helpful feedback Brian. Thank you for that

Looks like a concentric flue from here. The manufacturers installation manual will describe any clearances. Look it up, I’ll bet it’s a non issue.

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Thanks Martin, much appreciated sir.

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Yep…that’s it! :+1: :+1: Solves the clearance and combustion air problems. What about the pipe going thru the living space? I have not seen that before.

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You could see the combustion air intake gap in the annular space at the flue discharge.

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Yep…I see that. Just had my head up my arse.

What about this? It’s odd.

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It is unless the manufacturer allows zero clearance.

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Hey Brian, just to add context to this picture. This whole area was in the garage. The water heaters are in the garage closet, and the vents penetrate through the wall and then have that 90 into the garage ceiling. So it never actually enters a living space.

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