Bryan Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 The attached photo is the water heater exhaust piping for a 4 story building under construction. The water heaters are "stacked" above each other with a B-vent running vertical in a concealed chase behind the water heater closet. The "T" will extend the piping horizontal to the water heater closet for the finial connection. The only exception to this would be the unit on the ground floor where the piping enters the mechanical closet through the ceiling. My question is, is a "T" the correct fitting? I have been under the impression for some time that the connection fitting in this case should be a WYE. Bryan Click to Enlarge 43.32 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 The attached photo is the water heater exhaust piping for a 4 story building under construction. The water heaters are "stacked" above each other with a B-vent running vertical in a concealed chase behind the water heater closet. The "T" will extend the piping horizontal to the water heater closet for the finial connection. The only exception to this would be the unit on the ground floor where the piping enters the mechanical closet through the ceiling. My question is, is a "T" the correct fitting? I have been under the impression for some time that the connection fitting in this case should be a WYE. Bryan A wye might be better but the vent tables have always shown tees there. See the attachment from the '06 IRC. It's the same as the old GAMA table diagrams. - Jim Katen, Oregon Download Attachment: Multi-Story-B-Vent.pdf 58.56 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted June 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Thank you Jim, If I read that information correctly even units set side by side can use a tee instead of a Wye. I am not sure where I got the other Information/idea from. Is their a installation that specifically calls for a wye vs a tee? Bryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Thank you Jim, If I read that information correctly even units set side by side can use a tee instead of a Wye. I am not sure where I got the other Information/idea from. Is their a installation that specifically calls for a wye vs a tee? Bryan According to the IRC/GAMA tables, there's never a need for a wye. I've heard several home inspector say that wyes are required in these locations, but I don't recall them saying where they heard it. - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 I used to say it, but only because it's what I always heard, and only because it does make a certain amount of logical sense relative to air flow characteristics. I think it may have been one of the last bits of folklore I would pass on before I became aware that nearly everything talked about in the trades (including HI work) was folklore. But, every table and chart I have shows tee's.......no wye's necessary anywhere, near as I can tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Moore Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 I'm no expert on air flows but I would think the reason tee's are OK is that the gasses are really being sucked into the main flue by the draft rather than being forced into it. Just a guess tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Yep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobC Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 The "T" will extend the piping horizontal to the water heater closet for the finial connection. The 'T' is not so much the concern as the vent connector running horizontally. 1/4":foot is the rule for slope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted June 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Thank you for helping to set me straight. I am not sure where I picked up the wye information, but it stuck with me. As far as the connector pipe there is plenty of height to cover the slope needed. Bryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.