- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 19 years, 6 months ago by
Selgas.
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MasterPlumbers
I am trying to find out if anyone has had problems with foam core ABS-DWV when using it to vent gas water heaters, especially the polaris high efficiency gas water heater. While meeting the manufacturer’s specifications, we are encountering an epidemic of splitting ventilation pipes that could possibly be venting noxious fumes into people’s houses! Thanks for any input that you all may have.
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The use of an ABS material to flue direct vented gas appliances is in a non sense itself. ABS flue pipe can only be used when the temperature of the flue gases is just above dew point otherwise the excessive heat will damage if not melt and possibly catch fire.
You should check with the flue material supplier and find out what the maximum temperature their material will handle – down here we use stainless steel flue pipes on everything except high efficiency appliances that have VERY low flue gas temperatures. In these units we use a PVC material similar to that of waste pipes but more acceptamble to temperatues that can reach above 80 degrees C.
Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians -
Using ANY kind of plastic flue (ABS, PVC, CPVC, PE, etc.) to vent combustion gases seems absurd. Perhaps there is som space-age plastic stuff that might serve, but none of that is commonly available. Maybe NASA has some stuff that would serve. Till I hear about its availability, I will use metallic flue pipes, [rp[erly installed.
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Nick
Sorry it has taken me so long to post a reply over this PVC Venting issue but I have been flat out down here of late.
Soooooo yes we do use PVC for venting gas flue pipes BUT ONLY on very high efficiency heating units that are in the region of 98% efficient and utilise a heat exchanger system that makes the flue gases pass many times through the heat exchanger before being released to atmosphere at which point the flue temperature is just above that of dew temperature – making for a safe and efficient venting system.
I must add that there are not all that many units available with such high efficiency burner/flue systems so the use of PVC Flues is not all that commonplace.
When it is able to be used it is done so with the manufacturer of the gas appliance installation instructions.
Hope this helps. 
Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians -
I agree w/ Peter on this one. I have never come across a condition in which ABS is an approved material for exhaust gas. However PVC is being used quit often, (ie Power Vent water heaters, high effiency appliances).
Corrupt, if you have the manufacturers document that states ABS is approved I personnally would like to see a copy of it and followup w/ the manufacturer. If you could copy it and attach it to a message, I will follow up on it. Turd
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I was suprised to hear about ABS-DWV for the water heater vent. I was curious about this and looked at the polaris installation manual at http://www.americanwaterheater.com/support/manuals/Pol-April02.pdf . For the vent piping, it says “use only solid (not foam core) piping.”
Phil H
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Phil
Check that manual you so kindly told us about as under Vent Pipe Materials on Page 7 it clearly states plastic is an acceptable solution (PVC, ABS, CPVC) thereby resolving the installer from any wrong doing should he so desire to use such materials.
However, as this is NOT a high efficiency machine I personally would only use a metal flue and air liner to be on the safe side.
Perhaps if the installer was concerned over the issue he could communicate with the manufacturer and obtain a letter of compliance for self protection.
Just a thought!!!!!!!!!!
Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians -
Schedule 40 PVC is legal here foe water heater,& furnace flues ..power vent water heaters and 90plus high effeciency furnaces..never heard of ABS oR CPVC oR FOAM CORE PVC ..Definite no no here in Md..
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In reply to message posted by Bender:
Schedule 40 PVC is legal here foe water heater,& furnace flues ..power vent water heaters and 90plus high effeciency furnaces..never heard of ABS oR CPVC oR FOAM CORE PVC ..Definite no no here in Md..
There are a million ways to do something wrong but only one way to do it right! -
Bender
Well spoken – just wished I had said it!!!!! lol
Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians
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