By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
I'm planning to move my water heater from the hall closet to a small shed I've built against the back of my house. This shed is next to a bedroom window, and I'm wondering how to keep the combustion exhaust from blowing into the house when the window is open. How far from the window should I install the exhaust pipe? -- Val
Dear Val,
A water heater flue pipe should extend at least 12 inches above the roof line and should terminate no closer than four feet from an openable window. But my advice is to stop what you're doing and call a licensed plumber.
There are more safety considerations effecting the installation of a water heater than the exhaust system. Other vital requirements include gas piping, combustion air supply, fire clearances, pressure relief, earthquake strapping (if you live in a seismically active area), and more. Without specific knowledge of plumbing code requirements, you'd be well advised to delegate the project to a qualified expert.
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