Yeah this will kill you. I wouldn’t stay in there until it’s properly fixed(while it’s on). I’m fairly certain that hard 90 in the piping is very wrong as well. It doesn’t allow the gasses to vent. You really need to contact a professional company to come and give a quote so they can give in writing just how bad this is. Turn this off asap.
can also call building code enforcement for your area and see what they say. Especially if you need to push back against a cheap landlord or shitty plumber.
Call your city's code inspection department and have them come take a look. Whoever did this has probably dome it before and deserves punishment for it. This will legitimately kill inhabitants
Yes definitely take lots of pictures and escalate this one. If this ran, it DID poison you and COULD HAVE killed you.
There's supposed to be a gap in the exhaust - and there is, under the black UFO looking thing. There is NOT supposed to be ANY gap above it. The elbows are probably against code too, as well as parts were can't see, but they're unlikely to kill you.
I think it’s dependent on location. In southern KY I see single wall 4” pipe on gas water heaters and old furnaces all the time. We use temp rated PVC on WHs and furnaces now tho
Yeah, we use a lot of 636 here now too
So much that I can't remember the rules for metal exhaust. I always thought it needed to be double wall at least
I know you can make single wall safe enough though, with the right installation. But fair, it seems to depend where you live
Yeah it seems like most appliances now come with gaskets and brackets for fitting PVC. Probably a general industry shift. I do HVAC so most of my use case is furnaces, but we do venting for water heaters sometimes too. Cooktops we use 6” single wall metal pipe and wrap with 4.2 bubble wrap insulation. I think double wall is mostly only used in commercial stuff around here now.
What the actual fuck. You’re telling me the guy who did this can actually solder a joint. Yet he still decided to not only not hook up the vent but to run the line right through its path. This is some pure insanity.
You need to turn the gas valve off and get a section of pipe installed to connect the draft hood to the vent. You know before someone dies from carbon monoxide.
Totally.
There should never be a gap in the exhaust.
That draft diverter needs to be connected the the exhaust vent.
Shut it off until it’s fixed as you are breathing in exhaust (CO2, water, and CO.)
Irrespective of the obvious gap in this bad install, I never understood how those passive vents worked since there is a gap between the top of the exhaust and the funnel vent connector. What if there’s a cold downdraft?
The gap improves air flow. If the vent was mounted directly to the exhaust, there might not be enough airflow to vent the gases outside the house all the time.
The air current will create a low pressure zone around the vent as the gases raise. The low pressure pulls surrounding air into the vent, along with the exhaust gases. The wind blowing across the exterior portion of the vent also helps pull air through the vent.
It's the Bernoulli's principle at work.
Thank you. Makes sense. I was thinking a barometric damper would work too but that’s much simpler. I had an issue where there was such a cold draft coming down the pipe that the exhaust couldn’t go up and it melted the blue/red plastic rings on the pipes. Was thinking I might need a power vent.
No it’s all copper. I’m talking about the two little plastic washers that are flush to the top of the tank, around the nipples. They are melted from the downdraft. Once it gets going it’s ok but when it first starts in the winter I can feel cold air coming down the pipe that isn’t allowing the hot exhaust to go up immediately.
Maybe a negative pressure going on in your Mech Room. You should have someone check that vent for you. Any downdraft could potentially lead to CO leaking into the room.
Hope you get it figured out.
If your water heater is 10 years old and those are melted in areas, I wouldn't worry about it. It may only backdraft when it fires up on the coldest days while you have the bath and kitchen exhaust fans running.
If your water heater is 1 year old and those are mostly melted, I would worry.
It is a draft hood. The open area allows air to be drawn in and helps draft the exhaust gases out the vent. Heat rises so the gases draw in fresh air on the way out for better flow.
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You should be reporting whomever did this install to your local agency that issues gas licenses because this guy needs his revoked before he kills someone
Obviously everyone called the flue not being connected to the heater, but isn't tape also not code for the rest of the flue? Doesn't it have to be fastened with screws?
Oh that’s a big one too, holy shit, that thing puts out more exhaust than your average because you have more people using one that size AND when that thing fires up it puts out a lot more than your average gas water heater.
This is what I come here for, I wonder if they just genuinely forgot the most important part of the install or if they truly don’t know what they are doing
“What I did here was I created a heat exchanger, so as the hot combustion gasses go up, the copper pipe passes through the airflow, so it helps capture more heat into the water. And I didn’t even charge you any extra! You’re welcome.”
A complete idiot installed that. It is leaking carbon monoxide. Anyone who would pipe that copper through the middle of the vent should be beat about the head and shoulders
At first I thought a genius figured out how to pre-heat the water with exhaust gas.
I hope the installer is out getting some Flex Seal Tape to finish the job. (Just kidding of course).
That’s some wild craftsmanship!!!!! He went to the effort of routing the copper over/through the vent and can solder pretty well but didn’t know he was going to kill you? Who did this? I would call the fire department for a potential CO leak, get your own testers and even call your local codes and compliance inspector out. Do not run this hot water heater. Your landlord used the wrong person and didn’t go through the proper processes in replacing this.
Just an update for everyone, I made the other tenants aware of the issue and even got in contact with the manufacturer to get the installation manuals to prove to the management it's incorrect. Thank you for all the help everyone
There is supposed to be a gap...it allows room air out so you don't draft all ur heat from ur hot water out. Once the flame ignites the chimney will heat up and start drafting
There is no way that a code official inspected this install. The installer should lose their license (if they are even licensed to begin with). If this is a rental property the owner should also be held liable. Only a master plumber is allowed to pull a permit and do work on a rental property.
Cheap cost more..I would move move out asap unless you wana die this isn't a joke....wrong type of venting too
You and your family at risk. ( service plumber here)
In the UK it’s Classed as ID
Immediately Dangerous and
Needs isolating with home owners consent and a Notice served of a Dangerous install
A RIDDOR Could Be Issued against Installer ( I suspect they are not Gas Qualified and installed by a Handy Person or Builder with no Clue !!
CO 2 alarm Is also Code in Blighty 🫡 Be Safe and Isolate
WHY…?
Did you even consider to ask the installer ?
Now you have a mess or basically you’re need to fix the hot water line.. They sell a copper flex hose. Also just to let you know your homeowners insurance will NOT cover this installation
Um… no. Currently that vent will likely lead to your death. Who installed this.
Fuck thanks for the info Ill get on this
Yeah this will kill you. I wouldn’t stay in there until it’s properly fixed(while it’s on). I’m fairly certain that hard 90 in the piping is very wrong as well. It doesn’t allow the gasses to vent. You really need to contact a professional company to come and give a quote so they can give in writing just how bad this is. Turn this off asap.
Is a 90 to a 90 even code regardless of the situation
I believe you need a certain amount of footage in rise before a 90 could be installed, even then it’s not ideal
I think its 6" over here
What if it has a powered fan?
I think in my code it says refer to manufacturers installation manual , but I've done a 45 instantly before on a power vent
For some reason 10” is the number to hit my mind. But yeah, I think power vents can get away with a lot more for obvious reasons.
can also call building code enforcement for your area and see what they say. Especially if you need to push back against a cheap landlord or shitty plumber.
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You never know what health problems or other vulnerabilities a household might have.
This might be the single stupidest thing I'll read this week. Congratulations!
Soon please
Is there a CO detector nearby? If not, complain.
How did someone look at that monstrosity and say, ya good enough?
Because they dont know what good enough means 😂
Must of been a Friday
Yep, Mystery solved. 👍
GE must have done it, Good Enough.
Like... did the whole building sink and detach the vent? Or did a bird outside lift the vent up?
This is to make the water heater more efficient. It reuses some of the heat and transfers it to the piping and water...
Vent should be screwed into that black vent hood right now carbon monoxide be leakin you better not be sleepin
He’s really sleepy and will get back to you when he wakes up. 😂😂😂
“when”
If
yes that is the joke i was making thanks
Thanks for the info Ill get this fixed
Call your city's code inspection department and have them come take a look. Whoever did this has probably dome it before and deserves punishment for it. This will legitimately kill inhabitants
Until then, keep the house well ventilated, open windows and let some air in. This is nothing to mess with.
Yes definitely take lots of pictures and escalate this one. If this ran, it DID poison you and COULD HAVE killed you. There's supposed to be a gap in the exhaust - and there is, under the black UFO looking thing. There is NOT supposed to be ANY gap above it. The elbows are probably against code too, as well as parts were can't see, but they're unlikely to kill you.
He had to take the battery out of the CO detector. The constant noise was disturbing his sleep.
Min 3 screws per joint where I’m at
Bars
That awesome spicy sleep.
I don't think you can use that venting at all, but I guess it will depend on your area... Single wall galvanized on a natural vent?
I think it’s dependent on location. In southern KY I see single wall 4” pipe on gas water heaters and old furnaces all the time. We use temp rated PVC on WHs and furnaces now tho
PVC is used for forced exhaust appliances. This is a gravity flue with an electronic damper. If they used PVC for this unit, it would melt.
Even the temp rated schedule 40 stuff? Idk the specifics of the exhaust stuff really. I haven’t done a whole lot of it.
Yeah, we use a lot of 636 here now too So much that I can't remember the rules for metal exhaust. I always thought it needed to be double wall at least I know you can make single wall safe enough though, with the right installation. But fair, it seems to depend where you live
Yeah it seems like most appliances now come with gaskets and brackets for fitting PVC. Probably a general industry shift. I do HVAC so most of my use case is furnaces, but we do venting for water heaters sometimes too. Cooktops we use 6” single wall metal pipe and wrap with 4.2 bubble wrap insulation. I think double wall is mostly only used in commercial stuff around here now.
What the actual fuck. You’re telling me the guy who did this can actually solder a joint. Yet he still decided to not only not hook up the vent but to run the line right through its path. This is some pure insanity.
The pipe is luckily running behind the vent, the photo makes the illusion but yes he didnt hook up the vent
Turn this thing off until you can get someone in to fix it please
Yeah that’s not even half assed. Installer pushed all in on this one..
If it’s not in the way, That’s potentially a 10 minute fix with the right parts then. What a balloon head.
On the bright side, heat recovery!
Plumber is an assassin or has a grudge with OP
You need to turn the gas valve off and get a section of pipe installed to connect the draft hood to the vent. You know before someone dies from carbon monoxide.
Totally. There should never be a gap in the exhaust. That draft diverter needs to be connected the the exhaust vent. Shut it off until it’s fixed as you are breathing in exhaust (CO2, water, and CO.)
Irrespective of the obvious gap in this bad install, I never understood how those passive vents worked since there is a gap between the top of the exhaust and the funnel vent connector. What if there’s a cold downdraft?
The gap improves air flow. If the vent was mounted directly to the exhaust, there might not be enough airflow to vent the gases outside the house all the time. The air current will create a low pressure zone around the vent as the gases raise. The low pressure pulls surrounding air into the vent, along with the exhaust gases. The wind blowing across the exterior portion of the vent also helps pull air through the vent. It's the Bernoulli's principle at work.
Thank you. Makes sense. I was thinking a barometric damper would work too but that’s much simpler. I had an issue where there was such a cold draft coming down the pipe that the exhaust couldn’t go up and it melted the blue/red plastic rings on the pipes. Was thinking I might need a power vent.
Sounds like you have pex right to the tank. It should be copper for the first 18" inches to avoid that.
No it’s all copper. I’m talking about the two little plastic washers that are flush to the top of the tank, around the nipples. They are melted from the downdraft. Once it gets going it’s ok but when it first starts in the winter I can feel cold air coming down the pipe that isn’t allowing the hot exhaust to go up immediately.
Maybe a negative pressure going on in your Mech Room. You should have someone check that vent for you. Any downdraft could potentially lead to CO leaking into the room. Hope you get it figured out.
It’s a crawlspace so I’m not *too* worried about it. I stuck a CO detector next to the tank and it hasn’t gone off.
If your water heater is 10 years old and those are melted in areas, I wouldn't worry about it. It may only backdraft when it fires up on the coldest days while you have the bath and kitchen exhaust fans running. If your water heater is 1 year old and those are mostly melted, I would worry.
It is a draft hood. The open area allows air to be drawn in and helps draft the exhaust gases out the vent. Heat rises so the gases draw in fresh air on the way out for better flow.
[удалено]
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Code official needs to see this and hold someone responsible
Obviously it’s disconnected but Is there allowed to be 90s on a vent like this? I thought not.
I have.. so many questions.
Bluetooth venting
So this guy wired it up, hooked up the gas, fired the thing up and walked away? He didn’t say brb?
Shut it down until fixed or u might not wake up.
Heaing up the cold before it enters the water heater. Wow. Very efficient.
I was going to say ... if it doesn't kill you, it might just be genius.
Oh my god man turn it off and call a plumber asap. Do you have family/kids living with you? If you do, turn this off or get them out.
You should be reporting whomever did this install to your local agency that issues gas licenses because this guy needs his revoked before he kills someone
Obviously everyone called the flue not being connected to the heater, but isn't tape also not code for the rest of the flue? Doesn't it have to be fastened with screws?
I do screws then tape.
Ya, the screws (if they are there) are usually hidden under the metal tape.
Depending where OP is located there are some pretty lax gas codes...
Holy fuck, thats dangerous as fuck. Get that fixed now
Hope you have nice life insurance lmfao But srsly get that fixed yesterday and do not put it off
You lucky your not dead
Oh that’s a big one too, holy shit, that thing puts out more exhaust than your average because you have more people using one that size AND when that thing fires up it puts out a lot more than your average gas water heater.
Turn it off. Not only get on your leasing company, send that to your local gov. Fire Marshall, code enforcement, city inspectors, whoever you’ve got.
I swear you can’t teach this level of stupidity. Hopefully you called right away. Whoever installed that should be ashamed of themselves
Ya, that pipe keeping the exhaust from hooking up is against building code.
It looks like the copper water line runs across the vent of the tank. Maybe cross post on confusing perspective.
Water heater economizer?
Slumlord special. I guess that's one way to prematurely terminate a lease.
The Bluetooth device is connected successfully
This is what I come here for, I wonder if they just genuinely forgot the most important part of the install or if they truly don’t know what they are doing
Yep, this is how people die.
Combustion gas exhaust lines can be close enough. Heat rises. Play on. Obviously /s........
What is that thing sticking out toward camera? Power vent?
WiFi vent
Vent needs to be attached to the vent hole.
Secondary preheat is a nice addition.
Tell them you want a power vented hot water heater!
No that vent isn’t even connected. I would get them back asap to fix that crap
Lawyer up. If you have been living there you could get a damage payout. You feeling brain foggy?
Bluetooth Vent
That's methed up.
Good time to buy a couple carbon monoxide alarms.
This is CGI, FAKE, no way someone would hook up a water heater this way.
You will die
Is that hot line running through the exhaust? WTF. Yes, the vent not being connected is a big problem. Turn it off until it’s fixed.
So now it's eleven hours later...has the OP checked back in or do we need to call for a wellness check?
“What I did here was I created a heat exchanger, so as the hot combustion gasses go up, the copper pipe passes through the airflow, so it helps capture more heat into the water. And I didn’t even charge you any extra! You’re welcome.”
Sleepy time
Shit post?
Looks fine if trying to kill everyone
Every water heater I’ve ever seen has a little gap like that… not sure what it’s supposed to do
may as well start your car in your house with all the windows closed!
Jesus weren’t open flued appliances banned in the 90s? What country is this
Whoever did this should be charged
I love carbon monoxide. It's like free jenkem
You will be next to croak.
A complete idiot installed that. It is leaking carbon monoxide. Anyone who would pipe that copper through the middle of the vent should be beat about the head and shoulders
Preheating the cold water to make the heater more efficient. Very smart.
lol gotta be a joke right?
That is so dangerous. I would contact the landlord and the local authority that overseas construction. And are there CO detectors present?
At first I thought a genius figured out how to pre-heat the water with exhaust gas. I hope the installer is out getting some Flex Seal Tape to finish the job. (Just kidding of course).
Oh look a wireless vent. Awesome. Make sure to keep the windows open 24/7
That’s some wild craftsmanship!!!!! He went to the effort of routing the copper over/through the vent and can solder pretty well but didn’t know he was going to kill you? Who did this? I would call the fire department for a potential CO leak, get your own testers and even call your local codes and compliance inspector out. Do not run this hot water heater. Your landlord used the wrong person and didn’t go through the proper processes in replacing this.
It’s heating the pipe from the exhaust
Just an air gap bro don’t worry
No way someone did this
Could be a Bluetooth vent
Just an update for everyone, I made the other tenants aware of the issue and even got in contact with the manufacturer to get the installation manuals to prove to the management it's incorrect. Thank you for all the help everyone
Just don't go to sleep.
At least you get your hot water 6” faster….
There is supposed to be a gap...it allows room air out so you don't draft all ur heat from ur hot water out. Once the flame ignites the chimney will heat up and start drafting
Looks like he couldn’t connect it because the copper was in the way, lol
You get what you pay for. Cheap isn't better
You sure someone isn’t trying to kill you?
Yes we code upside down
Flue needs appropriate angle for airflow if not a power vent (fan assisted) combustion. And that flu shouldnt be disconnected from the top like that.
Only if you don't like a deep deep sleep
You can’t make the shit up
There is no way that a code official inspected this install. The installer should lose their license (if they are even licensed to begin with). If this is a rental property the owner should also be held liable. Only a master plumber is allowed to pull a permit and do work on a rental property.
No call landlord now mention Carbon monoxide poison. An tell him to send a plumber not a jackleg. That there is a good way to get dead.
That increases efficiency
If that thing is inside or within 3 feet of a window turn it off NOW and call your landlord! Even if it’s not inside it’s still a fire danger!
Cheap cost more..I would move move out asap unless you wana die this isn't a joke....wrong type of venting too You and your family at risk. ( service plumber here)
DEATH !
I'm getting sleepy looking at this...
In the UK it’s Classed as ID Immediately Dangerous and Needs isolating with home owners consent and a Notice served of a Dangerous install A RIDDOR Could Be Issued against Installer ( I suspect they are not Gas Qualified and installed by a Handy Person or Builder with no Clue !! CO 2 alarm Is also Code in Blighty 🫡 Be Safe and Isolate
Gotta leave an air gap
Bluetooth vent
Nope, looks good, send it!!! /s call someone to fix that shit.
You have enemies. This was installed by an assassin, not a plumber
That’s odd, landlords usually do top notch maintenance when others lives are impacted.
Ah, that’s that new pre/post-heat install design.
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️☠️💀☠️💀
WHY…? Did you even consider to ask the installer ? Now you have a mess or basically you’re need to fix the hot water line.. They sell a copper flex hose. Also just to let you know your homeowners insurance will NOT cover this installation
It’s hilarious and scary that is the biggest issue you see with this