What is the proper size vent for gas water heater?

4 inches
For most installations, a 40–gallon water heater with a 3–inch outlet on the draft hood is required to have a vent connector that is a minimum of 4 inches in diameter.

What are the rules for venting a water heater?

General rules for venting water heaters are:  Place the water heater as close as possible to the vent terminator.  The vent collar of the water heater must be fastened directly to an unobstructed vent pipe.  Do not weld the vent pipe to the water heater’s vent collar.

Where do you vent a gas water heater?

In both cases, the water heater needs to be located near an exterior wall or a chimney for the venting system to work properly. On some gas water heater models, a power vent blower fan will be used to draw the exhaust fumes through the flue.

What does it mean when your water heater has a common vent?

This is called a common vent configuration. In many cases, the exhaust from the larger appliance heats up the common vent, improving the flow of the water heater vent. In addition to venting, gas and propane water heaters need an air supply for combustion.

How tall of a vent do I need for a gas water heater?

Do I need to maintain 1 inch clearance to combustibles in a vertical wall for a direct vented gas conventional water heater installed in a full basement that uses 3″/5″ concentric double walled metal vent pipe through the floor, vertical wall, and ceiling? There’s no single “right” answer to gas water heater height requirements.

Do you need to vent a gas water heater?

Discover how the different vent types work and their installation requirements. Not all A. O. Smith water heaters require venting within your home, but if you have a gas water heater that does require venting it’s necessary to utilize the correct venting material.

Where to put a draft vent on a water heater?

Assuming, that you don’t know anything about water heater vent pipe subject, this is how the natural draft gas water heater venting should be installed: On top of natural draft gas water heater, in its center section, right above the water heater vent, you should have a draft hood installed.

When to replace a water heater vent pipe?

Corroding gas water heater vent pipes should be replaced as soon as possible, to prevent possibility of exhaust fumes / Carbon Monoxide contamination. Single wall gas water heater vent pipe / connector cannot be installed closer than 6″ from any combustible materials such as floor / wall framing, paper, etc.).

How big is a gas water heater vent pipe?

Smaller diameter double wall to double wall vent pipe sections utilize twist lock fittings with no screws / larger diameter B-vent pipes might require screws on its joints. 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.