Vent under deck - InspectionNews

Richard Roshak · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 02:34 PM

This is a 17 year old Janitrol 80% gas heating unit vent under a composite deck.
I cannot find any info stating this is acceptable. This install was approved by the building official.

Rich

Markus Keller · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 04:31 PM

I'm sure one of the IRC masters will chime in soon, nonetheless...
-Clearly rain/snow is dripping on and rusting out the flue pipe; I would write this up as being hazardous and the current pipe defective.
-As far as location I can easily see the potential for people on the deck in the fall and spring while the furnace is warming the house. Will they die, doubtful. May they end up with a headache, possibly. Might some little boy discover the warmth and lay on the deck right there and suck it in, Oh yeah!
If I didn't write what muni insp often times (reportedly) approve I wouldn't have time to do inspections. I'd always be in court as a defendant.

DavidR · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 06:03 PM

Would have to shut her down.

The last one I saw installed like that was poisoning a lady with low levels of CO.
Guys who install those things need to read the factory knee pads before proceeding.
They aren't designed for horizontal venting or termination.

DavidR · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markus Keller

-Clearly rain/snow is dripping on and rusting out the flue pipe

It's a good chance the rust is caused by flue gases condensing inside the flue pipe, the inside probably looks worse.

I hope that rain and snow haven't gotten that acidic yet.

Michael Thomas · #5 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 06:25 PM

Usually, when I see that and the deck is more than a year or two old, the joist hangers and other metal above the termination are corroding. These were about 18" above a water heater exhaust, the hangers and ledger attachments for the rest of the deck were in good condition.

Bob Harper · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 07:03 PM

When you see goofy stuff like this, it is easy to process: write down the make, model and serial number of the heater then do the same for the venting. When you get back to the office, look up the manuals online and you will find your proof they are or are not listed for this application--done.

For instance, you might simply go to the vent mfr. and see this termination is not listed for a horizontal application and you're done. You do not have to write up every single crime. Once you've found one, you have all you need to refer it up the line to an HVAC/ venting pro.

Bob