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Quick question regarding direct-vent water heater install

NYLamb
NYLamb Member Posts: 13
edited November 2024 in Domestic Hot Water

I'm looking to replace my 15-year old State water heater before the dead of winter hits.

My current penetration is circular, will that effect my options when it comes to water heater selection?

Would attaching the new vent-piping to the existing draft hood be a big no-no?

Here is a pic of my current setup


I ask this because from what I'm seeing, brands like AO smith have square/rectangular mounts. Am I just misunderstanding the exhaust setup?

P.S. the chromed-out copper is not my doing!!!!

Comments

  • GGross
    GGross Member Posts: 1,357

    I'm pretty sure the new ones are still a round pipe(3), but the termination (#1 the piece that goes outside) is a more square shape I guess. Can you post a pic of the new unit in question? AO smith, state, and American are all essentially the same water heaters btw, same manufacturer

  • NYLamb
    NYLamb Member Posts: 13
    edited November 2024

    The exact A.O. Smith you shared was one of the considerations. I was just thrown off by the squares in the #2 wall plate and termination as my termination outside is also rounded. I guess if the square mount for it covers up the existing hole I should be okay?

  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,631

    Hi, Depending on the diameters of the inner and outer pipes, you may be able to leave the wall penetration in place and just attach the new heater after the 90, before it goes into the wall… unless that violates the manufacturer's sensibilities. 🤨

    Yours, Larry

    GGrossNYLamb