Gas water heater vent pipe?

[Patrick J. Cloninger]

Is there any way to tell if this is proper installation without the manuf. info. Some specify using a draft hood and some don't.

State water heater.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

It's either a natural (gravity) draft or a mechanical (induced) draft.

A mechanical (induced) draft system utilizes "pressure difference created by the action of a fan, blower or ejector that is located between the appliance and the chimney or vent termination."


A natural (gravity) draft utilizes "the pressure difference existing between the equipment or any component part and the atmosphere, that causes a continuous flow of air and products of combustion through the gas passages of the appliance to the atmosphere."

With out a draft hood, the gravity system will not work properly. Without a fan (or similar), the induced system will not work properly.

It seems clear that this heater has no hood, nor does it have a fan. I'd say there's a problem.

[relliott]

Short but sweet definition from about .com

A device used to facilitate the escape of combustion products from the combustion chamber of an appliance, to prevent a backdraft in the combustion chamber, and to neutralize the effect of stack action of the chinney or gas vent on the efficient operation of the appliance.

[Patrick J. Cloninger]

This is where it terminates on the outside wall of the home. I wrote it up as needs further evaluation to determine the acceptable method of venting of this particular water heater.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

That's not an appropriate vent either.

[escanlan]

Can not tell from the picture but if that is an operable window that vent would be to close to the window. Either way the window to siding joint may not be properly sealed to prevent exhaust fumes from entering.

If the soffits are also ventilated then that vent is exhausting to close to the soffit vents.

Not sure what that conduit is carrying but with the exhaust venting downward onto the conduit it may also be a potential issue/hazard to what is run in the conduit.

Any other pictures?