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Author:
whgraham (NC)
Hello Folks, My first post. Certainly won't be my last.
Our Rheemglas Direct Vent is starting to leak at the base. It was original to the house (mid-90's). It says "Direct Vent" on the side, but it looks like most of the rest that I've seen, but they don't necessarily say "Direct Vent" on them.
The heater's up on a stand, in the corner of the garage, against and exterior wall. There's a vent tube that travels up a bit, and then through the wall to the outside. I've seen a few models (Kenmore, GE, etc.) that I can get quickly, afford, and appear to have the same hook-ups and dimensions for an easy swap.
Big budget issues right now, but have an emergency looming with the leak it seems. What are my options? I've replaced toilets, done some copper plumbing work, and fixed all of my cars over the years. I think I'll be able to do the work.
Lastly, I was told that code requires an overflow tank. Is that the case in NC? Thanks!
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Author:
mr leak (CA)
Direrct vent water heaters are more expensive they can be located in areas that other water heaters cannot. these heaters obtain combustion air and vent discharge thru the same pipe and have a sealed combustion chamber all of which is reflected in the price Question? why was the DV water heater installed instead of a non direct vent water heater?? More info /more help
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Author:
whgraham (NC)
I don't know why this one was installed. We're in a planned urban development in central NC, and all of the houses are the essentially the same. The unit is in the garage and I don't know why the specified what they did. The garage is not heated, could that have been a reason?
I will have a harder time affording a direct vent model, based on the prices I've seen. If I don't have to replace with one of those, I'd rather not do so. If someone knows the criteria for having to use a direct vent unit, I could perhaps work on ruling out those reasons and come to the safe and code-compliant conclusion that I don't have to replace with the same.
Thanks!
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Author:
Timsplumbing (MA)
Sealed combusting water heaters are used in garages due to the fact people tend to store gas can`s in them. If a open gas can is in the garage with a natrual draft water heater the vapors from the gas can cause an expolsion.
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Author:
mr leak (CA)
Local codes prevail of course BUT water heaters have been installed for years in garages elevated 18 inches above the floor and protected from vehicle impact. Having said this all water heaters sold in California have a special designed vapor recovery combustion chamber which confines any flammable vapors inside the burner box area and depending on mfg may not to be elevated in a garage. The cost of these WH are well below a direct vent WH and without further info would be a typical garage instal in Ca with the additional seizmic strapping required for the up coming earthquake This is a basic no frills 52 gal draft hood using B vent water heater with vapor recovery as described selling for approx 500.00[ no direct vent power vent no nonsense WH]Hope this helps State or Bradford White are good brands in my opinion
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Author:
packy (MA)
install the same type and forgetaboutit.
if you want to use a regular, chimney vent water heater, you will need to build a chimney.
you can always use a power vented heater that vents thru PVC. no chimney needed for that type either.
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Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
local supply houses in my area dont even stock Direct Vent heaters anymore...they need to be ordered...i typically change them to Power vents which probably will cost even MORE since you need an outlet
i doubt you can swith to a normal atmospheric model....i would think there's a reason they went with a direct vent in the first place...time to get a part time job or look for a used one on Craigs list
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Author:
hj (AZ)
"Sealed combustion" heaters have the Snorkel for the incoming air, NOT direct vents. Direct vent heaters do not need a conventional flue, and since this one has a "trhu the wall" vent they DO need another direct vent model.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
You probably have a two story house and they used the direct vent so they would not have to route a flue up to the roof. You have NO choice. Your installation REQUIRES a direct vent.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote: Sealed combusting water heaters are used in garages due to the fact people tend to store gas can`s in them. If a open gas can is in the garage with a natrual draft water heater the vapors from the gas can cause an expolsion
Incorrect. The FVIR systems mean conventional gas heaters will NOT combust vapors, so the heates can even be installed on the floor, if the heater is protected against impact by a vehicle. Sealed combustion heaters are used if the heater is located in a badroom area or bathroom, or any other location where a conventional combustion heater is PROHIBITED.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; look for a used one on Craigs list
And SHY would anyone want a USED water heater, especially since most used heaters have been stolen from abandoned homes?
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
If you look closely, your water heater is VASTLY DIFFERENT from the ones you see on display at the store. They have a draft-inducing funnel on top, and yours does not! The reason you cannot use a conventional draft unit is the they must have most of the flue run vertical, with total minimum rise specified by the fuel gas code. They can NOT go horizontal right off the top like yours does.
And oh by the way..that is a dual concentric pipe....air for combustion is brought in through on part and the hot gas goes out the other.
And oh by the way, if you put a regular water heater in here, it would not burn correctly and your family would be at risk of DYING from carbon monoxide.
I am glad you asked a few questions before tackling what may not be a good DIY project for you.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; And oh by the way..that is a dual concentric pipe....air for combustion is brought in through on part and the hot gas goes out the other.
IF that were true, the heater would NOT have the "flammable vapors" warning on the jacket. And the "flue" does NOT have the diversion fitting needed to separate the two air flows. AND it says "direct vent", NOT "sealed combustion". The two are completely different.
quote; And oh by the way, if you put a regular water heater in here, it would not burn correctly and your family would be at risk of DYING from carbon monoxide.
That is hyperbole. It is an atmospheric combustion heater, although it is pre FVIR, but the new one WILL BE FVIR protected
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Author:
steve72(NC) (NC)
yes nc code requires an expansion tank on your water heater
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Please call the manufacturer of your heater and ask some questions see what model and install for the home owner they offer.good luck again.You may find some changes to a lessor heater type,same brand. work out better for you today.current codes value the use of thermal expansion tanks where your use, is as water supplied at your home .the tank absorbs thermal expansion caused by the heated water,where back flow is system checked..
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
If I can make out the label, it is a 21DV. I do believe that is a concentric vent ( NOT power direct, of course). I could be wrong...wouldn't be the first time!
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