[Ginny28]

I had a vent that stood about 3' above my roof that used to service both my furnace and gas hot water heater. I had the furnace changed several years back with it's own venting. I just had my roof redone and asked if he could cut down the vent pipe and change out the ugly, old cap. I didn't question much as I thought he would know what the height requirements were. I was surprised when he cut the vent within 1" of the roof line and put a 4" standard flue on it. I envisioned a shorter vent with a newer cap. The new vent is below the highest point of the roof ridge. The roof ridge is about 1 1/2 feet away.

I know it vents as I've lit a match, blown it out, and the smoke goes up the vent.

I'm also concerned about snow as I live in Michigan and the vent would certainly be covered in the winter, although I assume the snow around it would melt?

Are there specific guidelines on how high a lone gas water heater vent should be?

I like the looks of the new vent, but I want to be safe and be within building requirements. Thanks.

 

[yuri]

That sounds wrong and could give you CO poisoning as there is not enough heat to melt the snow.

You need a licensed gas fitter or chimney Pro to look up the rules in the gas code book. Here is a link with some basic rules but it does depend on the slope of the roof and your climate and type of chimney. Generally in my area it needs to be 3 feet above the top of the peaked roof unless the nearest part of the sloped roof is 6 feet away. It still needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof where it leaves. It is never good to be below a sloped roof as you can get swirling winds and downdrafts in the chimney and CO poisoning. Get a Pro to do it properly.

http://www.checkthishouse.com/72/chimney-flue-furnace-water-heater-venting.html


http://www.checkthishouse.com/2418/gas-appliance-chimney-placement-and-termination.html

 

[Ginny28]

Thanks for your advice.

 

[supers05]

Codes will be different from here. Here, it's 12" above expected snow line, 3' above the highest point of the roof/building within 10'(iirc) horizontally.

Cheers!

 

[beenthere]

Codes will be different from here. Here, it's 12" above expected snow line, 3' above the highest point of the roof/building within 10'(iirc) horizontally.

Cheers!

Code in the USA is 2' above the roof or wall within 10' of it, and min of 3 foot above roof penetration.

 

[Ginny28]

Awesome - thanks!

 

[yuri]

Good Pics.

Notice the fine print: Height may need to be increased to provide sufficient draft.

It is always better to be a bit longer. The longer the chimney the more draft it creates. Especially if you have roofs with 2 slopes/valleys or big trees nearby. You can get swirling winds and problems. I would have it redone to it's original height.

You should also have 2 new CO detectors. 1 in the basement on the stairs going up as smoke/CO rises and 1 near your bedroom.