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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4

    Default water heater ventilation

    I am a relatively new home inspector in Ohio that, though certified, has a lot to learn. I recently inspected a house with the gas water heater vented through the basement wall at ground level. Is this acceptable?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: water heater ventilation

    A few"ifs":
    - If the venting is natural drafting the minimum vertical rise measured from the vent draft hood bottom to the outlet of the gas vent must be not less than 5 feet.
    - If the above is correct, the maximum horizontal offset must be no more than 75% of the vertical height (I recall some condition allows for a maximum of 100% horizontal offset).
    - And, last but not least, probably should be first, a minimum rise of 12" before any horizontal offset starts.
    - And other requirements apply as well.

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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: water heater ventilation

    JP gave the rules for venting a natural drafting gas water heater.
    The other 2 possibilities are power vented and direct vented. Those can certainly be vented out thru the wall.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    1,592

    Default Re: water heater ventilation

    Try to remember to collect as much data (and a few photos) as possible when you encounter an unfamiliar installation. Often times a quick web search of the make/model will reveal the installation details or instructions, and that can answer your questions quickly.

    Dom.


  5. #5

    Default Re: water heater ventilation

    Thank you, your expertise is much appreciated. I will provide more details and photos next time.


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