Ventilation Louvres

What is a safe and economical way to vent a natural gas water heater?

I am specifically interested in the material and what section of the hardware store to find it. Due to the variance in the dimensions between the new water heater and the old one, I can’t use the old vent. I need a little more length. The vent is 3 inches in diameter. I need a one foot section and three foot section with a flexible “elbow” connecting the two. The previous vent was very thin sheet metal and it had surface rust on it. The elbow was a corrugated bendable piece. When I went to Lowes, they had vent pieces in the water heater section. But, by the time I bought everything, it would have been close to $50!! The ventilation they had looked like a vent within a vent. Do most local codes require this type of venting or is there a more economical way to vent this using something similar to what was there before? Would metal corrugate venting like one used in a clothes dryer work? Safety is critical also. I know sometimes Lowe's sticks it to you with their kits.

Public Comments

1. the vent within a vent is for safety. Although no gas fumes nor fire escapes into this vent, it sounds like its overdone. The vent within a vent is more for like wood stoves or someplace in a home that will have actual fire going up the vent. What does your expert say at Lowes. They should have someone on staff to help you. I believe I would use the metal corrugate venting, except use the stuff that made for the venting a gas dryer. The instructions for the unit should have recommended venting. Looking on the internet, it appears all the states have different statues so you have to respect what ever state you live in. NEW VENTING OPTIONS CREATE NEW FLEXIBILITY In the past, it was necessary to vent a Natural Gas water heater with a vertical flue or vent pipe. This often limited installation options. But now, a new generation of products opens up a variety of installation options. HERE ARE SOME OF THE KEY BENEFITS Installing vertical venting systems in existing homes can be costly and impractical. And in new homes, the design is not dictated by venting placement. With horizontal venting, being located near the furnace is no longer necessary. The water heater can be located as far away as 30 feet from a wall. There are a variety of models available including high-efficiency and gravity or power-assisted systems.
2. The vent within a vent is referred to as double wall vent pipe. It is made for use outside or thru an unheated space. Since the water heater is in a conditioned space you can use single wall pipe. Heating and cooling suppliers usually carry this in various sizes and lengths but you apparently need 3" and elbows are available. Do not use clothes dryer vent pipe on your water heater.