UNderground vent pipe

[wayne soper]

Did a 1970's colonial today, screened in porch to the left side with the chimney coming down through the roof of the porch against the main wall.Down innthe basement looking out the window just above the boiler vent pipe I surmised that the vent pipe from the boiler went out through the exterior wall underneath the basement window, underground, outside the house turned right and went, "underground", under the corner of the screened in porch to the side of the chimney, all below grade.
Anyone seen this before?
Thought I took a pic but I guess not.
Really wacky application. I think the original family room was widened past center and the original vent ran along the inside wall to the chimney side.
What I am wondering is, Is there a specific code that says you cannot run a vent through the ground.
Besides all of the other obvious ramifivcations of such an application.

[wayne soper]

Bob Harper, Have you anything on this one. I am still finding nothing on my own.

[Jerry Peck]

Wayne,

If you are referring to the Type B Gas Vent being underground, that would be bad, real bad, that would be worse than wrapping insulation around it.

If you are referring to some type of relief piping vent for water, air, fuel oil vent, etc., then I have no idea.

[wayne soper]

Jerry, Vent pipe for boiler running underground. It may be single wall, did not dig or take apart. Previous owner wanted larger family room so it was modified. I recommended further eval.
Is there a code reference that you know of?

[Jerry Peck]

Is there a code reference that you know of?

If single wall vent it would have to be installed according to the requirements for single wall vent.

If otherwise (other than single wall vent) it would have to be installed in accordance to its listing and labeling.

Do you need those code sections from the IRC?

[wayne soper]

I was wondering if there is a code for underground applications if any. Code for single or double wall would be meaningless if they do not pertain to underground install.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Jerry Peck]

I was wondering if there is a code for underground applications if any. Code for single or double wall would be meaningless if they do not pertain to underground install.

"Code for single or double wall would be meaningless if they do not pertain to underground install."

Huh???

If you follow the code for single wall and it does not allow for underground installation, how can that be "meaningless"?

If you follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and they do not allow for underground installation, how can that be "meaningless"?

You are trying WAY to hard to make it acceptable when you should not be trying to make it acceptable at all, you should just be looking for requirements for its installation ... just because it is underground does not make having underground installation requirements necessary to determine if it is right or not ... the simple fact that the code and MII do not address doing it underground when they address *how to do it* is more than enough.

Seems to me you have put yourself in a box trying to figure out the correct way to install the vent underground instead of staying outside that box and asking if it is even allowed to install that vent underground.

[wayne soper]

Jerry, You've got me all wrong. I don't want it acceptable.
I don't know whats under the ground. To assume it is something I cannot see is not practical.
So mabey I asked the wrong question.
Is there an allowed vent type for installation underground?
If there is. Is there a code fro installation requirements.

[wayne soper]

OH yeah, And Jerry, I guess I need that code too. :o

[Jerry Peck]

Wayne,

From the 2006 IRC. (underlining and bold are mine)
- G2427.6 (503.6) Gas vents. Gas vents shall comply with Sections G2427.6.1 through G2427.6.11. (See Section G2403, Definitions.)
- - G2427.6.1 (503.6.1) Installation, general. Gas vents shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listings and the manufacturer’s instructions.

- G2427.7 (503.7) Single-wall metal pipe. Single-wall metal pipe vents shall comply with Sections G2427.7.1 through G2427.7.12.
- - G2427.7.4 (503.7.4) Limitations of use. Single-wall metal pipe shall be used only for runs directly from the space in which the appliance is located through the roof or exterior wall to the outdoor atmosphere.
- - G2427.7.6 (503.7.6) Installation. Single-wall metal pipe shall not originate in any unoccupied attic or concealed space and shall not pass through any attic, inside wall, concealed space, or floor. The installation of a single-wall metal pipe through an exterior combustible wall shall comply with Section G2427.10.15. Single-wall metal pipe used for venting an incinerator shall be exposed and readily examinable for its full length and shall have suitable clearances maintained.

I have not seen anything in the code which would allow for a gas vent to be installed in the ground. First, you would have slope problems, second you would have horizontal offset versus vertical height problem, third you would have problems with trying to heat the vent up and get a draft, then you would have problems trying to heat the vent up and not get condensation all over it, which means that if the vent is metal and in the ground the metal is probably rusted out and the vent is now only compacted soil, which is not an approved vent material.

[wayne soper]

Thanks Jerry,
That helped alot.