Electric Switch: Navigating Chimney Liner Challenges in an Old Home 🏠⚡'

Dive into the heart of a classic Kansas City, Missouri, home where plumbing meets history! In our latest project, we tackle the unique challenge of an older house with a masonry chimney, intended for venting a water heater. 🛠️🏡

🔍 What we discovered:

The existing 4-inch chimney liner wasn't sized correctly, a liner has a reduced flue capacity by 20%. With both a furnace and water heater to consider, a larger liner was essential for safety. 💨🔥
Given the lengthy horizontal run from the water heater to the chimney, and the complexities of installing adequate double-wall piping, we opted for a smarter, simpler solution. 💡🔄
👉 Our decision? Installing an electric water heater. This video walks you through the why and how of making the switch, emphasizing ease of installation and safety considerations in homes with challenging venting situations.

Whether you're a homeowner navigating the quirks of an older property or a fellow plumber looking for insights on handling similar challenges, this video is packed with valuable lessons and tips.

Join us as we explore the benefits of electric water heaters in specific scenarios, providing a safe, efficient alternative to traditional gas venting in older homes.

#OldHomePlumbing #ElectricWaterHeater #PlumbingSolutions

[ColeMetge]

I’m impressed with how thorough you guys are before just replacing equipment. So many technicians, in plumbing and HVAC just simply replace equipment based on what was there prior and don’t do the work to see if equipment is sized properly and check venting, clearances, and gas supply etc.
Great video.

[jimmski]

Whoa, this homeowner is lucky to have called you.

[plumber]

Is there a reason not to install a power vented water heater

[mikestahlman]

Do you sub out the elec? Run it yourself? Or just have the homeowner hire an electrician to get you the 220v?

[danielkelley]

Damn you screwed those people. Why not go with a power vent or a tankless? Way cheaper over the life of the tank versus what the electric tank will cost to operate

[darrylsouthard]

Why would you give them the all electric option ? It cost more because of the wire, breaker and electrician coming out then your work
They sell chimney liners, I’m in hvac and use them all the time, unless they go to a 90%...

[cincin]

Well the run from the hot water heater to the chimney is absolutely ridiculous it's supposed to have a rise in the pipe going out to the chimney and it should not be 40 ft long. of course it wasn't drawing correctly. Whoever decided to put the hot water heater that far away from the chimney was in the wrong. The shorter you can keep the pipe to the chimney and maintain a hot flu the chimney will draw much better. Remember you're fighting cold air trying to sink into the basement if you have a 40 ft run a pipe the heat coming from the hot water heater cools off before it even gets up the flu which in return will cause it not to draft properly.

[tonybochiano]

Electric water heaters last a very long time compared to gas

[maddog]

Never seen single wall pipe use to vent out gas fumes on a water heater or and kind of unit that use gas. It all ways been double wall pipe.

[jeffrooo]

Um bull crap. If it's wrapped in duct tape. Then that rings true.
I cut and crimp close to perfect. Tape then I do 3 self tappers.