What Is the Proper Way to Install Water Heater Venting?
- 1). Place a sheet metal elbow on the draft hood. Secure it to the draft hood with four sheet metal screws.
- 2). Measure the distance from the floor to the sheet metal elbow's center. Allow a rise of a quarter-inch per foot from the center of the elbow to the chimney and make a mark on the chimney at the calculated height.
- 3). Drill a 4 1/4-inch hole into the chimney with your hammer drill with the mark being the center of the hole.
- 4). Connect the first length of sheet metal vent pipe to the elbow by sliding the pipe over the crimp of the elbow 1 1/2 inches. Secure with four sheet metal screws. Continue to connect each successive length of vent pipe together in the same fashion until the pipe is connected from the draft hood to the chimney.
- 5). Use elbows where turns are needed and if a shorter length of pipe is needed, cut it down with snips. Before connecting a cut length, crimp one end with a pipe crimper so that it is able to be connected into the system.
- 6). Support the sheet metal vent pipe every five feet with pipe hanger strap. Wrap a length of the strap around the pipe and secure it to itself with screws. Take the long end of the strap and secure it to a ceiling joist.
- 7). Caulk all seams and joints of the vent pipe with silicone caulk that is rated for high temperature. This includes the connection at the chimney.
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