Tankless Water Heater: Simple Guide on How to Vent It!

Tankless water heaters are increasingly popular at these days. There are now many homeowners who prefer to choose them than conventional water heaters. The better efficiency performance is the key of their popularity. Why they can work more efficient? Well, they use innovative water heating technology which only heats the water when it is needed. So, there is not involved anymore a conventional tank to store and hold the heated hot water temporarily. They are designed with efficient heating elements inside the tank. Like other conventional models, tankless units are available either in electric or gas. And if you prefer to choose and use gas unit then one crucial thing that must be concerned carefully is about the venting requirements to provide a proper way to vent the exhaust from the methane (natural gas) or propane! So, how to vent a gas tankless water heater properly and correctly?

Note: If you are not too familiar with gas supply and plumbing then it is better to consult with a professional plumbing for the installation, especially for the proper installation of the venting requirements. Improper installation of the venting can cause the depletion of Oxygen and this is too risk for you and your family. You can also install a depletion O2 sensor if necessary. Back to the topic, the following are pieces of helpful information (basic guide) on how to vent your gas tankless water heater properly:

1. Take a look at the vent pipe then begin to assemble it & dry-fit it on the exhaust port that is usually located on top of the tankless water heating unit. Find the center of the vent pipe that gets into contact with the room wall and then mark it.
2. Then try to take down the vent pipe from the top of your unit!
3. Create a small pilot hole! Use a proper driller to drill the hole through the wall to outside!
4. After creating a small pilot hole, then take a look at the outside of it. Hold the metal wall thimble and position it against the exterior wall and then trace the outline of it on the wall.
5. Chop an opening in your wall for the vent. Begin by making a 1 inch hole with a spade bit and make it close enough to the top of the circle you traced. Use your driller to make this hole! Then look at the rest of the circle and then cut it with a reciprocating saw, beginning in the 1 inch hole.
6. Then look at the flange thimble and then take & hold it against the wall. There are usually some strips of siding, remove all of them to prevent thimble from resting flush against your wall.
7. Look at around the edge of the flange and then apply a thick bead of silicone caulk in there! Next, slide and put it into the hole in the wall.
8. Then you have to screw the flange through the created holes to the wall (around the perimeter)! Don’t forget to use the silicone caulk to cover and seal the screws.
9. Move inside and look at the flange and now connect it to your vent pipe. Reinstall all strips of siding that we had to take down to set the flange!
10. The last, there may be a certain requirement that you should consider to vent your unit. Therefore, read also the owner’s manual instruction of your unit, especially about any instructions on how to vent the unit properly.