How to Vent Tankless Hot Water Heaters Through the Roof
The process of venting a water heater is very similar to the process of venting a normal hot water heater. One difference is that you'll need to remember that the gases need to flow at a higher rate than in other configurations. Any homeowner can vent his or her own tankless hot water heater as it doesn't take a high skill level.
What You'll Need:
- Venting kit
- Simple hand tools
- Assistant
- Before you begin you’ll need to determine where is the best place for you to run your venting hardware to. At this point, the hot water heater should already be installed inside the structure. If not, complete that step first before continuing on to the next step. Ensure that you cut as few holes in floors/roofs as you possibly can, so, choose them wisely.
- Bring the tubing from the hot water heater all the way to the outside vent of the structure. Ensure that you brace the tubing at least every foot or so. Keep a slightly uphill run on any of the pieces that will need to be installed horizontally. Doing so will help to direct the fumes up the chimney instead of back down into the system.
- Install the vent piping all the way through the hole that you previously cut in the ceiling and roof. Secure it with metal mounting straps. Insert roof jacks all around the pipe that is in contact with the roof and fire stops all around the base of the vent pipe. This will minimize the risk of fire due to hot piping. You can use a metal flashing and storm caps around the mounting hole in order to keep water from leaking through your roof and damaging your ceilings.