Gas Water Heater Flue Piping

[rdw5466]

We live in a 100+ yr old farmhouse and I am planning to replace my asphalt roof this summer. Before I can get to that, the brick chimney is falling apart and I would like to remove it entirely to the basement. The natural gas water heater is the only device using it, as the furnace was replaced a few years ago with a high efficiency direct vent model w/pvc flue piping. I would like to relocate the water heater, but my flue route options are limited to another direct vent or to reuse the chimney shaft with new piping (25ft+). Is is possible to place it close to an exterior wall then vent outside using 45deg elbows vertically?

[paul52446m]

We live in a 100+ yr old farmhouse and I am planning to replace my asphalt roof this summer. Before I can get to that, the brick chimney is falling apart and I would like to remove it entirely to the basement. The natural gas water heater is the only device using it, as the furnace was replaced a few years ago with a high efficiency direct vent model w/pvc flue piping. I would like to relocate the water heater, but my flue route options are limited to another direct vent or to reuse the chimney shaft with new piping (25ft+). Is is possible to place it close to an exterior wall then vent outside using 45deg elbows vertically?

A standard water heater can be vented through a side wall. they will not draft right with winds and cold weather. You would have to buy a hi. eff. heater that are made to side wall vent. Venting up the 25' would have to be the right size, not a larger stack. Later Paul

[Redwood]

Yea so when you side wall vent it and it doesn't draft right whats a little carbon monoxide in the house....
Sheesh!

[rdw5466]

If the side wall is an option, are there retro-fit power vents available or would a new water heater with a power vent a better choice?

[paul52446m]

If the side wall is an option, are there retro-fit power vents available or would a new water heater with a power vent a better choice?

I think the new water heater would be the way to go, you get a lot of money into those kits and you still have a heater that is not that eff.. later paul

[rdw5466]

A local supply store has a regular natgas heater on sale with a rebate, so my plans might change. I'd like to to use the chimney as a chase and run B vent inside. I could then remove the chimney above the roof and install a new metal cap. I'm not sure how to support the pipe inside the chimeny though.

[paul52446m]

A local supply store has a regular natgas heater on sale with a rebate, so my plans might change. I'd like to to use the chimney as a chase and run B vent inside. I could then remove the chimney above the roof and install a new metal cap. I'm not sure how to support the pipe inside the chimeny though.

If you put a B vent ell and a short B vent coming out of the chimney and cement it in that will help support it. You are running the 3" B vent through
a new flashing so you can put screws through the flashing into the pipe.
It should out live both of us. Later Paul

[Redwood]

If you put a B vent ell and a short B vent coming out of the chimney and cement it in that will help support it. You are running the 3" B vent through
a new flashing so you can put screws through the flashing into the pipe.
It should out live both of us. Later Paul

That sounds like a fine plan to me...

[peterinker]

In relocating the piping in the side wall you may need a higher efficient heater. This could prevent the temperature from dropping down. You need a plumber for the pipelines.

[paul52446m]

In relocating the piping in the side wall you may need a higher efficient heater. This could prevent the temperature from dropping down. You need a plumber for the pipelines.

It is ok for a home owner to run his own water lines. As long as he is putting
a 3" gas vent inside the old chimney i think it would stay warm enough to work just fine. Paul