Vent Pipe System, Vent Pipe Size | American Water Heater 6510319

Vent Pipe System

This water heater uses a non-direct, single-pipe vent system to remove exhaust gases created by the burning of fossil fuels. Air for combustion is taken from the immediate water heater location or is ducted in from the outside (see “Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation”).

This water heater must be properly vented for the removal of exhaust gases to the outside atmosphere. Correct installation of the vent pipe system is mandatory for the proper and efficient operation of this water heater and is an important factor in the life of the unit.

The vent pipe must be installed according to all local and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes, the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)-latest edition. The vent pipe installation must not be obstructed so as to prevent the removal of exhaust gases to the outside atmosphere.

U.L. recognized fuel gas and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are recommended in all applications and should be installed using the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes, rules, or regulations.

Important: If you lack the necessary skills required to properly install this venting system, you should not proceed, but get help from a qualified service technician.

Drafthood Installation

Align the legs of the drafthood with the slots provided. Insert the legs and secure the drafthood to the water heater's top with the four screws provided as shown in Figure 9. Do not alter the drafthood in any way. If you are replacing an existing water heater, be sure to use the new drafthood supplied with the water heater.

Figure 9

Drafthood Installation

Sheet Metal Screws (four provided)

Drafthood

Jacket top

Install the drafthood with the four screws provided.

Vent Pipe Size

It is important that you follow the guidelines in these instructions for sizing a vent pipe system. If a transition to a larger vent size is required, the vent transition connection must be made at the drafthood outlet.

Vent Connectors

1.Type B, Doublewall, U.L. Listed Vent Pipe.

2.Singlewall Vent Pipe.

Maintain the manufacturer’s specified minimum clearance from combustible materials when using type B doublewall vent pipe.

Vent connectors made of type B, doublewall vent pipe material may pass through walls or partitions constructed of combustible material, if the minimum listed clearance is maintained.

Maintain a six inch minimum clearance from all combustible materials when using singlewall vent pipe.

Important: Singlewall vent pipe cannot be used for water heaters located in attics and may not pass through attic spaces, crawl spaces or any confined or inaccessible location. A singlewall metal vent connector cannot pass through any interior wall.

When installing a vent connector, please note the following:

!Install the vent connector avoiding unnecessary bends, which create resistance to the flow of vent gases.

!Install without dips or sags with an upward slope of at least 1/4-inch per foot.

!Joints must be fastened by sheet metal screws or other approved means. It must be supported to maintain clearances and prevent separation of joints and damage.

!The length of the vent connector cannot exceed 75% of the vertical vent height.

!The vent connector must be accessible for cleaning, inspection, and replacement.

!Vent connectors cannot pass through any ceiling, floor, firewall, or fire partition.

Important: Existing vent systems must be inspected for obstructions, corrosion, and proper installation.