Heat Seal II damper on water heater vent

[John Arnold]

This is on a water heater vent. I've never seen one before, but it appears to be similar to the Ameri-Therm that I have seen on boilers.
I'm going to recommend removal, but anyone have specific experience with these things?

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Bimetalic stack damper. Old large (60-75 gal-ish) gas WH?
What else is venting up the stack?
Basement install? multi-level home? multi-dwelling multi-floor building?
Upon what basis are you "recommending removal"?

[John Arnold]

Bimetalic stack damper. Old large (60-75 gal-ish) gas WH?
What else is venting up the stack?
Basement install? multi-level home? multi-dwelling multi-floor building?
Upon what basis are you "recommending removal"?

It is on a 40 gallon gas WH. There is a gas-fired boiler also venting into the unlined brick chimney. Two story row house single family basement.
I am "recommending removal" because there is no interlock or spill switch. If the damper fails to open, the water heater continues to run.
Similar to the Ameri-Therm discussion: http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-hvac-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/1318-vent-damper.html

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

It is on a 40 gallon gas WH. There is a gas-fired boiler also venting into the unlined brick chimney. Two story row house single family basement.
I am "recommending removal" because there is no interlock or spill switch. If the damper fails to open, the water heater continues to run.
Similar to the Ameri-Therm discussion: http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-hvac-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/1318-vent-damper.html

Right on ;) .

.

[John Arnold]

Right on ;) .

OK.
Out of sight. Power to the people.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

It is on a 40 gallon gas WH. There is a gas-fired boiler also venting into the unlined brick chimney. Two story row house single family basement.

I am "recommending removal" because there is no interlock or spill switch. If the damper fails to open, the water heater continues to run.



The set up you describe has more concerns that are not addressed simply by removing a bi-metalic STACK damper. Its not a 4-flap/fin Ameri-Therm. Could make things worse JUST doing that (removing a stack damper).

You don't indicate, guess we are to assume a Cat I WH with a draft hood, spillage nightmare. You didn't indicate if the basement was tight (infiltration, enclosed space) with living space/conditioned either.

[John Arnold]

The set up you describe has more concerns that are not addressed simply by removing a bi-metalic STACK damper. Its not a 4-flap/fin Ameri-Therm. Could make things worse JUST doing that (removing a stack damper).

You don't indicate, guess we are to assume a Cat I WH with a draft hood, spillage nightmare. You didn't indicate if the basement was tight (infiltration, enclosed space) with living space/conditioned either.

Yes, Cat I WH with a draft hood. Basement not tight, not living space, not conditioned. 97 year old row house.
Obviously, chimney needs a liner.