Instructions / Assembly

17
INSTALLATION
Direct Vent Installation
Check to make sure flue gases DO NOT recirculate into the
air intake terminal when using direct venting. If the water
heater is having service issues, flue recirculation may be a
contributing factor.
Even when the minimum vent terminal separation distances
are followed, recirculation may still occur, depending upon
the location outside the building, the distance from other
buildings, proximity to corners, weather conditions, wind
patterns, and snow depth.
Periodically check to make sure that flue recirculation is not
occurring. Signs of flue gas recirculation include frosted or
frozen intake terminals, condensate in the intake terminal
and venting system, oxidation, or white chalk material
on the flame sensor or igniter shield. Correction to flue
recirculation may involve angling the intake away from the
exhaust terminal, increasing the distance between them, or
using inside air for combustion. Check to be sure the intake
and exhaust terminals are not obstructed, especially during
periods of below freezing weather.
All intake and exhaust venting components must have the
same diameter size. DO NOT use a different size on the
intake and exhaust venting.
Be sure the condensate runs freely to a drain and does
not accumulate inside the water heater. In cold climates,
precautions may need to be taken to insure that the
condensate drain does not freeze. Make sure the condensate
trap or drain loop is installed to prevent flue gases from
being discharged into the room. Refer to the "Venting" section
of this manual for complete instructions on venting and
condensate drainage.
Stress levels in the pipe and fittings can be significantly
increased by improper installation. If rigid pipe clamps are
used to hold the pipe in place, or if the pipe cannot move
freely through a wall penetration, the pipe may be directly
stressed, or high thermal stresses may be formed when the
pipe heats up and expands. Install accordingly to minimize
such stresses. Follow the below procedure to vent through the
wall.
1. Cut two holes for the pipe to pass through. The hole
diameter should be 2.5" (6.4 cm) for 2" pipe, 3.5" (8.9
cm) for 3" pipe. Vent terminals must maintain a horizontal
distance apart in the range of 24" min. (61 cm).
2. Use the proper PVC cement (primer and adhesive) to
secure the exhaust vent and air intake terminals provided
with the water heater to the plastic pipes. The distance
between the back edge of the exhaust vent terminal and
the exterior wall must be 6 inches (12.7 cm) more for the
exhaust vent terminal than the air intake terminal. Use
the proper cement or sealant and assembly procedures to
secure the vent connector joints between the terminal and
the blower outlet. Provide support brackets every 3 feet
(.91 m) of horizontal vent beyond the intake terminal.