INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER EXHAUST FLUE VENTING

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Proper flue venting from the water heater to the outside atmosphere must be carefully installed, meeting all code requirements. Improper vent piping has been determine to be the cause of many infant deaths as well as house fires related to misaligned or older flue venting, sized appropriately and installed per safety code (2013 CPC Section 509.10.2) and per manufactures installation instructions is recommended in the Sacramento, Ca areas. 

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What to look for when you inspect your flue vent:

• Access to the attic for visual inspection: The flue vent must not have any tape on the joints.

• Proper fastening and alignment of the vent piping and tree screws in each joint below the ceiling.

• Check for misalignment and proper fit at each connection.

• Check for back drafting and the flue collar (on top of the water heater)

• Check that the overall length of the vent from the heater to the termination above the roof is 5'-0" or more. 

• Proper strapping (prevents dislodgment) is usually seen in the attic.

• Proper fresh air for operating the water heater and air vents may need to be installed.

• Remove all debris from the 6" flue below the ceiling and the 1" gap round vent at the ceiling and roof.

• Damage to the flue piping, any signs of corrosion, or crushed vent pipe.

• Per the code, there should be a single-wall flue vent 1" below the ceiling and a double-wall flue vent in the attic space.​