Tankless water heater distance to dryer vent?

lumbee77

We have a direct venting tankless water heater that was installed a few years ago. It’s combustion air intake and exhaust are fairly close to the dryer exhaust. I’m going to be getting permits pulled for an unrelated job soon and I’m wondering if the installer violated any codes with this placement? It’s > 12 inches from grade and > 12 inches from inside corner but I can’t find natural gas code details on direct venting gas appliance distances from dryer vents (if any such requirements exist). Distance from dryer vent to exhaust is 6 inches.  Dryer vent to air intake is 18 inches.  I’d hate to start a kitchen remodel and get halted on a potential pre-existing issue.  Any advice would be appreciated.

lumbee77

Larry Weingarten

Hi, Do you have a copy of the installation instructions for the water heater? I’d start there.

Yours, Larry

lumbee77

Yes, I looked through the installation manual and only saw an item that said “avoid termination locations near a dryer vent”.  I assume the avoidance is not code requirements but because dryer lint can dirty the burners if sucked into the combustion air intake (we’ve seen that cause issues with our tankless heater).   I’d love to move the tankless vents away from the dryer but it’s a finished basement and being at the current corner there isn’t space to move left or right much at all.

lumbee77

Install manual page 7 has vent locations:

https://media.rinnai.us/salsify_asset/s-43319ec8-468f-40fa-97dd-96cc3822de01/100000379-KBP%20Installation%20and%20Operation%20Manual.pdf?_ga=2.93860061.1798245681.1548081010-91553027.1548081010

lumbee77

Larry Weingarten

Hi, My experience is that code enforcement folks want you to follow manufacturer's instructions. Basically, the installation instructions become code. Others here will have thoughts on it! It wouldn't be pretty, but it seems the dryer vent could be run on the outside of the wall some feet to the left, so it isn't close to the water heater intake.

Yours, Larry