[imgur.com]

I currently have a power vent Bradford unit.
The pic is in the link. The unit is placed in the garage and vent us about 6 ft toward the side of the wall with 45 to 60 degree almost vertical except for the last pipe on the wall.

I get noise upstairs when the vent runs. I wonder if I can replace this with a regular one.
I called a plumber and his response was like he was not sure but I am better off getting the same type.

Is it wrong to use a regular one? I looked around internet and mine is not exactly side vent..

a direct vent model will work for you.
no motor needed.
you must place it close to an outside wall.
[www.homedepot.com]

You would have to replace that PVC "chimney" with a conventional one, which could be fairly expensive, depending on your house's construction.

instructions for direct vent water heaters.
[www.statewaterheaters.com]

I can understand why you are wanting to switch heater types.
I installed a power vent model yesterday ($1300 was my cost for the new WH). Nice commercial grade unit. works great. AO Smith. turn the switch on and bam it starts heating water like that. Has 2" PVC venting.

So you have to do some math and figure out if the additional savings from switching types will be worth it once you calculate the additional cost for a licensed contractor to install the new venting. 12 years from now when the new unit fails is when you might break even with costs.

***Make sure to have proper seismic straps on the new unit. That's over 500 pounds up there that if it came toppled over could be a major issue. The plumbing is code is there to protect you!



Edited 1 times.

Can I not use the conventional one? It seems the direct vent is for a limited space and I do not have a space issue. The vent is throught the wall toward outside

Is the new venting to replace PVC with metal one?

What I really curious is if water will function properly and will not be against plumbering code if any.

if there is no motor to create a draft or if you can't fit a direct vent model then you need a chimney.

you just don't stick a pipe out the side and call it a day.

the pipe must extend upwards until it is 2 feet higher than anything within 10 feet.

you also can't use single wall smoke pipe outside. it must be double wall pipe.

so if the noise from the motor bothers you, you have 2 choices.

direct vent or erect a chimney on the side of the building.

BTW, the hot water will work fine even if you leave the top of the heater open to the air.

BUT, you will die of carbon mon-oxide poisoning.

seriously, be very careful with any gas vent. CO is a very real danger.

The area where the heater goes will determine which kind you use, or need. It had NOTHING to do with the water.

You could try calling B/W to see if there's a fix for a noisy fan.

Okay. I am clearly understanding my options now. Direct vent with updated vents or quiet power vent unit if there is.

I will call a few plumbers to justify the cost.

Thanks for your input

I will try that but it is not unusual noise when I hear from the garage where it is located.
But i guess it is worth a try and will ask if they have a model quieter than others.

Thanks for suggestion