Water Heater Draft Hood Problem

February 6th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

In this Houston home inspection video we're talking about the proper installation of a draft hood for a gas water heater. The draft hood serves two purposes, the first is to provide the water heater vent system with additional air supply so combustion gases can be properly pulled away from the heater and deposited outside of the house.  The second purpose of the hood is to prevent a sudden draft of wind from extinguishing the gas burner of the unit. When installed correctly draft hoods do a good job at both of these functions with very little maintenance.  However, when the draft hood is not installed correctly, carbon monoxide gas may be expelled into the attic and the chance of blowing out the burner or pilot light of the unit exists.

 

As a homeowner, you may want to take a look at your water heater and make sure that the draft hood is installed correctly.  These units have a tendency to become dislodged or completely removed when a house is being re-roofed.  Also, while you are looking at the unit, you will want to check the water pipe connections to make sure you don't have a leak.