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Author:
Keviny (VA)
I'm purchasing a tankless water heater and will be venting it through the wall using concentric pipe. The area outside where it will vent is under a deck which is about 6 feet off the ground. My question is how far below the bottom of the deck is it safe and code compliant to install the vent in Northern Virginia? I've been able to find out the 4' minimum distance from doors and windows but can't find anything about under a deck. Thanks in advance to anyone offering answers.
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Author:
steve (CA)
Start with the unit's manufacturer's installation instructions. There should be all the clearance dimensions listed in the instructions. Now, as it's been stated here before, do you want to possibly smell the flue gas as you're relaxing on the deck? Can the vent be run elsewhere?
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
There are some guys at heatinghelp.com, that install tankless heaters all the time. They can help from selection to installation. They'll warn you about any problematic heaters. They'll steer you to the right size for your demand, and maybe save you money and frustration.
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Author:
mr leak (CA)
Always refer to installation instructions and or call tec support
The reasoning for the 4 ft from doors and windows is for the exhaust to dissipate before it has a chance to enter the residence so logic dictates the minimum clearance to the deck would be 4 ft
Remember animals may be lying on the deck
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; logic dictates the minimum clearance to the deck would be 4 ft
Not necessarily because the fumes rise upward so the dynamics are different than for the side to side clearance.
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Author:
Keviny (VA)
I wouldn't think the reasons for venting 4' from openings to the interior of the home apply to venting under a deck. Either way I want to be sure i'm following code. I have called the manufacturer and they do not have any input at all for venting under a deck, at the same time they felt that it is possible as long as it complies with local codes.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I would personally be more concerned with creating a fire hazard from the hot exhaust than any carbon monoxide problem.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
I think it shuts down on like 150* flue gas temp.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
He got a response on heatinghelp, and I feel real stupid. The gentleman said,"in that case, we would extend the exhaust out to the end of the deck. What can I say....duh
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Author:
Keviny (VA)
Thanks for the replies, I signed up and posted the question at HeatingHelp the other day but it disappeared when I went back to check for responses yesterday. It looks like they updated their page design so maybe that had something to do with it.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Part of the answer depends on how the deck is constructed. If it is solid, then the vent cannot terminate under it to avoid a leaking gas buildup. If it is "open" then it may be permitted.
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Author:
steve (CA)
Rinnai and American Water Heater state to follow local code. Call your local building department.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
How many permits? 2 ?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Just one, the expense will be for the stainless steel flue pipe if he has to extend it past the deck.
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