1

This is the exhaust vent from a gas fired heating system.

enter image description here

That drip, right at the joint, started a year ago. I'm assuming it's from condensation, and would otherwise drain back into the heater, except for a bad glue joint. What's the best/easiest way to address this? I'm thinking to just turn the heat off the next few warm days, and layer on some glue at the joint.

2 Answers 2

1

Is it glued at the moment? If not, your plan is fine. Turn of the heater, disconnect, glue, reconnect, turn heater back on.

Ideally, though, the pipe would be angled slightly downward towards the outside to prevent the condensation from backing out to the appliance in the first place.

4
  • It's in the basement, not really sure they could have done that. It's angled up the whole way out. thanks. Oct 20, 2015 at 18:14
  • High efficiency furnace exhaust should slop down towards the appliance. There should be a condensate drain near the appliance, to handle any moisture that there is. Draining condensate out, can lead to problems with ice.
    – Tester101
    Oct 20, 2015 at 18:24
  • @Tester101 ah yes, good point. Didn't consider freezing climates. (though, that said, never had an issue with our dryer vents in MN sloping down...)
    – DA01
    Oct 20, 2015 at 18:37
  • @DA01 Your dryer doesn't typically run as often as a furnace, and the dryer exhaust is usually hotter.
    – Tester101
    Oct 20, 2015 at 18:43
3

You'll probably have to cut the elbow out, and replace it. The elbow should be glued, so removing it without damaging it or the pipe will be nearly impossible.

You'll either have to replumb the line from this point on, or use couplings and nipples to make up the pipe you have to cut out.

If the joint is leaking condensation, it's also leaking combustion byproducts. This should be fixed as soon as possible.

The line should slope; as it does, back towards the furnace. There should be a condensate drain near the furnace, to handle any moisture that drains back. Draining towards the outside, can cause problems with ice.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.