New Gas Power vent Water heater

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Bluestream

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Sep 13, 2003
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Waterloo, ON
My 11 year old water heater is leaking, and I have bought a replacement. I had my pick from a GE made in Mexico, or a GSW made in Canada. I bought the GWS even though it cost a bit more, so I hope someone has a job for a few hours due to my support.

My old heater had ABS pipe for venting. Now I am told code requires PVC pipe for gas venting. I know I should just follow the code, but why would PVC pipe be any better than ABS?
 
If it's stamped schedule 40 DWV, I don't see any reason not to re-use it.

If your house is piped in copper, it really isn't a hard job to change out and you could keep your wallet a couple hundred $ heavier. Info for DIY replacement is everywhere.

Edit: Only do this if you have access to proper tools(can rent), and are comfortable working w/ gas...
 
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Gas supply line to the heater is copper. ABS vent pipe says "ABS Type I Grade II CSA Certified" I think I may just re-use it for now anyway.
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
I had my pick from a GE made in Mexico, or a GSW made in Canada. I bought the GWS even though it cost a bit more, so I hope someone has a job for a few hours due to my support.


I don't work for GSW, but thank you. If we all keep things like this in mind, there might still be manufacturing jobs in Canada (and USA) 10 years from now.
 
Bluestream, the vent tube is only for the pressure relief valve and I think 99% of heaters go to the dump without that ever blowing. Personally, I'd just reuse what you have. You're also supposed to have an anti-scald valve now. Are doing the install yourself?

P.S. You mentioned your WalMart in a post, did you mean the one by the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market?
 
Originally Posted By: cp3
Bluestream, the vent tube is only for the pressure relief valve and I think 99% of heaters go to the dump without that ever blowing. Personally, I'd just reuse what you have. You're also supposed to have an anti-scald valve now. Are doing the install yourself?

P.S. You mentioned your WalMart in a post, did you mean the one by the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market?


I believe he means for the exhaust gas vent to the outside.
 
Question: Is teflon tape approved for use on Natural Gas pipe fittings?

I know 20 years ago it was not, I expect that has changed???
 
Codes can vary around the country. There is a special double density yellow colored teflon tape that is designed for use with natural gas lines.

My impression from talking to pipe fitters at my workplace is that paste sealant is better for this application. At least that is what they prefer to use.
 
Originally Posted By: cp3
OH, for a direct vent set up? I didn't realize they were available that long ago. Does PVC have a lower melting point than ABS?


I would think the PVC would have a higher melting point than ABS, if they made a change to PVC. Home Depot has special 2" PVC Gas vent pipe in stock, but I am using my old ABS for now as it was a direct hook-up and I need hot water. New GSW unit is very quiet, and computer controlled to boot, very happy with it. Old heater was a rusted out POS, Im surprised it still worked.

I am not going with the anti-scald valve. The water in this area is so hard I bet they would corrode up in 2-3 years anyway. Its a good idea, but I don't have any young children or elderly folks in the house, so I am not worried about it. Is it law now to have these? Where does it all end with these safety regulations?

Home depot also had "Gas" Teflon tape so I bought that. Its yellow, so must be a special compound. I only had 2 joints to do and they both passed my leak test. I used to do a lot of plumbing work "back in the day" and we always used Portland Cement mixed with SAE 30 motor oil and made our own pipe dope. That was for sprinkler systems though, and I never used it with gas, as I don't have a gas fitters certificate. I expect it is all fine though.

Finishing my Beer and going to have a shower with my new hot water...
 
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You would think it will be fine if didnt' cause a problem after all the years it was there!

Yes the anti-scald valve is ANOTHER safety regulation to protect people from themselves! Mine has been in for about a year now, don't know it's there, except for the bill. It is a rental so it had to be put in but gets replaced if anything happens.
 
Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
How many times did you change the sacrificial anode in the 11 yr old heater ??


Never. I forgot about checking it. Read the new owner's book, and they should be checked yearly. I am going to remove the old one and see if there's anything left.
 
I pulled the anode, and it was all there. At least 3 feet of it. It did have some calcium build up, but not 100% covered. MY area is notorious for water heaters rusting through. Also, we need softeners here, and that makes things worse. My heater started to leak 2 years ago, and I let it go, and it stopped after 2-3 weeks. I was told the calcium can actually seal a small hole if left alone. No chance of that this time, the leak was just getting worse and after 2 months I had had enough. Now to get the rust stains off the concrete
 
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