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  1. #1
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    Default Exterior water heater

    This water heater is on the outside in a cabinet. It is back drafting as seen by the melted plastic washers at the supply hook up as well as my fogged camera lens. But it is on the outside so is that an issue. How would you stop it from back drafting? Also it was right at a door. How far from an opening does this type of installation need to be?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by ren ramsey View Post
    This water heater is on the outside in a cabinet. It is back drafting as seen by the melted plastic washers at the supply hook up as well as my fogged camera lens. But it is on the outside so is that an issue. How would you stop it from back drafting? Also it was right at a door. How far from an opening does this type of installation need to be?
    Only thing I can think of is that it needs to have the flue extended to the proper height, and also needs intake air.
    As for the location, I would check the installation to see if this is allowed.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    The water heater also needs to be listed for outdoor use.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    The water heater also needs to be listed for outdoor use.
    I thought that was the point of the enclosure to allow the unit to be placed in it to protect it so it did not have to be rated for exterior use.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by ren ramsey View Post
    I thought that was the point of the enclosure to allow the unit to be placed in it to protect it so it did not have to be rated for exterior use.
    Ren,

    I think that was the intended point of the enclosure, but I'm not sure the water heater was intended to be placed in that enclosure and then placed outside.

    What was the name on the enclosure? The same as on the water heater?

    The reason I questioned it was because I doubt that vent is high enough for that water heater, which would mean that it was something someone cobbled together and that it is likely that the parts are not listed for use together.

    I found this: r-24 - Watts Search Results but if you go through the tabs there is no literature, no approvals, etc. available for it.

    That same enclosure is shown in a larger photo here: Watts 24 in. W x 24 in. D x 72.5 in. H Galvanized Steel Water Heater Enclosure-R-24 at The Home Depot but it is a Watts enclosure and it is not listed and has no literature available (according to the Watts site).

    The enclosure in your photo does not look like that (as I recall, I have to submit this post to go back and look at the photo again).

    The minimum required height of the vent is 5 feet above the draft hood - that was the first thing which indicated to me that it was probably not good.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    I have to submit this post to go back and look at the photo again).
    Jerry, I found it is helpful if I open the photo in another window. That way I can switch to the photo for a quick look, then switch back to continue the post.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    Jerry, I found it is helpful if I open the photo in another window. That way I can switch to the photo for a quick look, then switch back to continue the post.
    Rick,

    I do that occasionally, but most of the time I think there is no need to ... then I find out that I should have ...

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    Only thing I can think of is that it needs to have the flue extended to the proper height, and also needs intake air.
    As for the location, I would check the installation to see if this is allowed.
    That should cover it.
    *insufficient combustion air, flue height.
    **non permitted.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Ren,

    I think that was the intended point of the enclosure, but I'm not sure the water heater was intended to be placed in that enclosure and then placed outside.

    What was the name on the enclosure? The same as on the water heater?

    The reason I questioned it was because I doubt that vent is high enough for that water heater, which would mean that it was something someone cobbled together and that it is likely that the parts are not listed for use together.

    I found this: r-24 - Watts Search Results but if you go through the tabs there is no literature, no approvals, etc. available for it.

    That same enclosure is shown in a larger photo here: Watts 24 in. W x 24 in. D x 72.5 in. H Galvanized Steel Water Heater Enclosure-R-24 at The Home Depot but it is a Watts enclosure and it is not listed and has no literature available (according to the Watts site).

    The enclosure in your photo does not look like that (as I recall, I have to submit this post to go back and look at the photo again).

    The minimum required height of the vent is 5 feet above the draft hood - that was the first thing which indicated to me that it was probably not good.
    Here is what the enclosure said . Not the same brand as the unit ( RHEEM) but not a home depot knock off either. It was signed on the inside by the installer.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    I take that back. It may be just as sketchy as home depot. Check these out http://myaquahut.com/aquahut-parts.p...ahut-parts.pdf They show a short vent. I think that is definitely one of the issues. And a little more. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...xYIx-RUHk-AZzg

    Last edited by ren ramsey; 03-14-2014 at 07:13 PM.

  11. #11
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    This is what I found on the AquaHut water heater enclosure:
    - http://www.fieldcontrols.com/pdfs/46263400.pdf
    - AquaHut : Outside Water Heater Enclosure
    - Would You Consider an Outside Hot Water Heater? | Apartment Therapy (links to Watts, AquaHut, and HoldRite)

    I don't find anything which says any of them are listed ... I'd be very wary of something like that, especially when: (bold and underlining are mine)
    - From the IRC (2012, but it is the same all the way back)
    - - M1804.2.3 Natural draft appliances. - - - Vents for natural draft appliances shall terminate at least 5 feet (1524 mm) above the highest connected appliance outlet, and natural draft gas vents serving wall furnaces shall terminate at an elevation at least 12 feet (3658 mm) above the bottom of the furnace.

    The vent needs to be at least 5 feet minimum measured from the draft hood to the outlet of the Type B gas vent cap, and the cap needs to be a listed Type B gas vent cap.

    I guess the people who make those things go "Hey, Dude ... that is outside, it ain't gonna kill nobody if'n it ain't ventin' properly."

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by ren ramsey View Post
    I take that back. It may be just as sketchy as home depot. Check these out http://myaquahut.com/aquahut-parts.p...ahut-parts.pdf They show a short vent. I think that is definitely one of the issues. And a little more. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...xYIx-RUHk-AZzg
    Rem,

    The Manufactures install instructions state two makeup air opening shall be installed. ( were these openings present and of the proper size for the gas fired appliance?)

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    Rem,

    The Manufactures install instructions state two makeup air opening shall be installed. ( were these openings present and of the proper size for the gas fired appliance?)
    The cabinet has the louvers in the front, did not see another opening. Heck the thing back drafted with the whole front off of the cabinet. It fogged up my camera lens. I just referred the whole installation out to a plumber.


  14. #14
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by ren ramsey View Post
    I just referred the whole installation out to a plumber.
    Hope they don't send out this guy!

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  15. #15
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    The reasoning behind the 10 and 2 rule would also apply to this for proper venting, even if this is not a vent at the roof. The wall is acting as an obstruction, preventing proper venting.


  16. #16

    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    If the venting does not extend above the roof line expect condensation to saturate the wall over time. It is inevitable.


  17. #17
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    Default Re: Exterior water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Larry Morrison View Post
    The reasoning behind the 10 and 2 rule would also apply to this for proper venting, even if this is not a vent at the roof. The wall is acting as an obstruction, preventing proper venting.
    As Larry pointed out, with the vent within 8 feet of the wall, the vent is required to extend 2 feet above the wall within 10 feet of the vent.

    That should address the various vent issues which have been mentioned in previous posts (too short, not listed, etc).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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