Water heater venting

[Jody Humbert]

I came across this venting set-up for a hot water heater in the basement. House is 20 years old. I immediately remembered the vent at the wall of the basement and thought that this was not acceptable because this is not a high efficiency water heater and should be vented above the roof. I have never seen this type of metal vent(single wall?). I was told by the owner that his contractor from the build did this installation and said it was acceptable. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Jody Humbert]

Oops. Forgot the photos. Here they are. Thanks.

[Tony Watson]

It's a direct-vent wtr htr, and it looks like the manufacturers recomendation and instructions, for venting.

[John Arnold]

The vent shouldn't be in contact with the insulation and the paper facing shouldn't be exposed.

[Jody Humbert]

I have called out the insulation. Is a direct vent water heater that is not high efficiency allowed to vent at ground level? What about gases and exposure to people around them. This is directly under a deck.

[Tony Watson]

AO Smith allows it to be under deck a min of 12", and if under the deck is open on at least two sides.

A. O. Smith Water Heaters (http://www.hotwater.com/lit/im/r-gas.html)
scroll down to the promax direct vent pdf

[Jon mackay]

This should answer any questions you have. I ran into the same type and found the manual.

[Jody Humbert]

Thanks again for all your comments and the visuals.