Flue liner question

Double D

Is there a problem using an aluminum liner in a tile lined masonry chimney to vent a gas water heater only? The chimney used to vent an oil furnace and gas water heater. The homeowner was told the liner would need to be stainless due to the fact oil residue will deteriorate the aluminum liner.

GreenGene

I would check with the building inspector, he'll probably say if the chimney is cleaned it's ok.

If it's got a lot of residue and can't be cleaned, yeah, aluminum isn't as tough or resilient as S/S, do it once.

ChrisJ

What does the manufacturer of the liner say?

SWEI

What code are you under? IMC, UMC, NFPA 54, and IFGC all say pretty much the same thing: B-vent or better, or a listed liner installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

GreenGene

Yeah, that was going to be my follow up, most state the warranty is void if the chimney wasn't cleaned first.

SWEI

There's an exception for masonry lined chimneys -- if they were built right and are still right. It's pretty rare around here to find that in the field.

Double D

@GreenGene The chimney is clean with only discoloration on the tile.
@ChrisJ Nothing in the instruction for the liner. I suppose I could contact the manufacturer and ask.
@SWEI inspector is only asking for the listed liner to be installed as per manufacturers instructions.
Thank you all for your input.

ChrisJ

Double D said:

@GreenGene The chimney is clean with only discoloration on the tile.
@ChrisJ Nothing in the instruction for the liner. I suppose I could contact the manufacturer and ask.
@SWEI inspector is only asking for the listed liner to be installed as per manufacturers instructions.
Thank you all for your input.

I would contact the manufacturer.
I learned that after watching my chimney guy call whoever they bought liners from and ask questions.

Once you have their approval, you would need to make sure it's ok with local codes.

njtommy

I would be definitely looking at the age of the hot water heater and replace it with a direct Vent PVC out the side wall instead of doing a liner if at all possible. It may work out to be better in the long run instead of paying for a liner and installation.

Double D

Good idea. From what I remember, it is an old one. I will run this by the homeowner.