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Can I use existing vent for tankless water heater?
While getting a new tankless water heater, you may think about can I use the existing vent for a tankless water heater? Water heater specialists do not recommend you to use the existing flue. Tankless water heaters are unique and supply on demand. Nowadays, people prefer to tank less water heaters. It has a venting system. But it is a little different than other appliances. During installation, it is a complex matter. Indoor water heaters must need ventilation. There are different types of venting available but choose the venting system according to their comforts.
tankless water heater's different types of venting
Venting is seen in every water heater like conventional, tankless, gas, or electric-based water heaters. But there is a difference among their venting system. Every venting system has got something of its kit and system. I'm giving you some options of venting to help you in choosing better for you
• Non-Direct Vent: It can be both vertical and horizontal venting. It takes oxygen from inside the space for combustion. A fan is also seen to exit gas outside.
• Direct Vent: It is also suitable for vertical and horizontal venting. Combustion air is sent to a gas burner. It does not take any stand from outside. A complete cover surrounds it. There are two pipes. One is for exhaustion and the other for fresh air intake. One centered gap you may notice between two pipes. It runs through a wall or roof.
• Outdoor: People living in warm climates use outdoor venting. Water heater takes air from its surrounding for combustion. Constantly, it exhausts.
• Power venting: It exits exhaustion through the pipe. The water heater using power venting needs adequate air.
A venting system is also a factor in buying a water heater. So think and choose a venting system before purchasing a water heater.
Instead of using old ventilation, get a new venting
I guess you have an old vent and now getting a new tank-less water heater. But you need to make a unique venting system. Not all the heaters venting system is identical. Using old version venting may cause trouble and damage your water heater. The tankless water heater must use stainless pipes called category III pipe. During combustion, condensate is seen. It destroys the metals of a water heater. It can damage the inside components badly. The venting system should be without any leakage. Because of acidic condensate, type "B" vent is not suitable for here. The vent system remains under positive pressure as it consists of a fan to exhaust outside. The venting system has the maximum length to cover the distance. Do not cross that length. You also can not use the chimney for exhaustion. Because condensation begins to damage the chimney very soon. It damages property and leaves you in an unsafe condition with carbon monoxide. It would help if you had a proper drain for condensation clearing. Condensate drain should be within 3" of vent connection to protect the damage. Acidic condensate destroys the heat exchanger if it somehow runs back to the unit. It takes a few years to happen. If you want to skip the drain idea, then make a horizontal slope venting far from the heater.
Necessary kits for a tankless water heater
Tankless water heater needs fitting kits to install, run and satisfy you supplying hot water. Required kits are given below:
• Pipe: Tankless water heater uses PVC or stainless steel of category III pipe for venting. It protects metals from condensation. In horizontal venting, you can use two layers of pipe. You can short pipe length in vertical venting.
• Seals: Seals are seen in every joint to prevent leakage. It prevents damage from corrosion and leakage of condensation.
• Drain: For condensation removal, you may need a drain. It helps to prevent condense from coming back in the heater unit.
• Slope: A slight slope is good to save the heat exchanger from condensation.
• Adapter: To connect the exhaust hose with the water heater, you need an adapter. An adapter can be 3" or 4" according to your water heater.
Faq's:
01. What kind of vent can I use for a tank-less water heater?
Ans. You can use direct and power venting for a tank-less water heater. Direct vent pulls in the air for combustion. It has two pipes, one is for intake air, and the other is for exhaustion. You may install water heaters indoors and outdoor. Indoor water heaters draw air from outside.
02.Can I use PVC for a tank-less water heater venting?
Ans. Yes, you can use PVC for the venting process. It would be best if you used whether stainless special pipes or PVC for venting. PVC is more expensive than copper, PEX, or CPVC. It helps to stop condensate from getting out and damage the heater unit.
03.Where should I install a tank-less water heater?
Ans. The best place for your tank-less water heater is at your home. It's small in size. So you can easily set the water heater at home under the sink or stairs. In case you need to install it outside of the house, make sure it's safe from rain, sunlight, and insects.
04. What is the negative side of a tank-less water heater?
Ans. Despite having many advantages, It has a negative side. It is a little expensive while installing. Its installation is also complex. You can not do it by yourself. Get a plumber to install it.
After getting through the above discussion, you may get a clear concept about whether can i use existing vent for tankless water heater? Though it costs you, I will recommend you to get a new venting system. It saves your heater's elements, gives you long service, and gets warm water when you want. It is advanced technology. Using hot water makes your daily life work comfortable, and using new venting can give you relaxation for years. Just call a plumber to install it. It fulfills your hot water needs. Tankless water heaters are efficient and serve you better than other types of water heaters.
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