Best Tankless Water Heater Exhaust Kit Options for Safe, Efficient Venting
Choosing the right exhaust kit is essential for the safe, efficient operation of a tankless gas water heater. This guide highlights five top options, covering concentric and straight-vent configurations, compatibility notes, and installation considerations. Each kit is evaluated on materials, ease of installation, and durability to help homeowners and contractors select the best fit for indoor venting needs.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concentric Vent Kit – 2 in. | Rheem | Concentric | Simplifies installation; OEM genuine part; not approved in MA/NY |
| Upgraded Direct Vent Kit Fit for Tankless Water Heater Vent Pipe 3 inch | TIKSCIENCE | Direct Horizontal Vent Kit | Wide compatibility; included elbow and vent pipe; durable stainless steel |
| GASLAND 3″ Stainless Steel Vent Pipe Kit | GASLAND | Horizontal Vent Kit | Includes termination hood and elbows; corrosion resistant stainless steel |
| Rheem ProTech Horizontal Vent Straight Termination Kit | Rheem | Horizontal Termination Kit | Durable stainless components; includes wall plate and elbow |
| CAMPLUX 3″ Horizontal Stainless Steel Vent Pipe Kit | CAMPLUX | Horizontal Vent Kit | Detachable, adjustable lengths; rain/debris protection; versatile compatibility |
Rheem Concentric Vent Kit – 2 in.
The Rheem concentric vent kit is designed for simplified installation as an OEM genuine part. The 2-inch concentric design streams exhaust and intake through a single, compact vent, helping to conceal and protect the venting pathway. Note that this package is not approved for use in Massachusetts or New York, so local codes must be checked before ordering. The kit emphasizes factory-authorized quality, reducing compatibility concerns for compatible Rheem tankless models.
Upgraded Direct Vent Kit for 3-Inch Vent Pipe
This kit provides a horizontal direct vent solution with a 3-inch diameter vent pipe, including a 3″ OD elbow and 3″ OD x 19.7″ length stainless steel vent pipe, a chimney rain cap clip, and tape. It is compatible with various indoor gas tankless water heaters and emphasizes durable stainless steel construction for corrosion and heat resistance. Before purchasing, confirm wall vent size to ensure a proper fit with your heater model.
GASLAND 3″ Stainless Steel Vent Pipe Kit
GASLAND’s vent pipe kit features a 3-inch stainless steel horizontal configuration suitable for residential tankless water heaters. The kit includes a termination hood, 3″ x 90-degree elbow, and multiple vent pipe lengths. T304 stainless steel offers strong corrosion and temperature resistance, supporting long-term reliability with straightforward assembly designed for versatile installations.
Rheem ProTech Horizontal Vent Straight Termination Kit
This offering from Rheem focuses on durability with stainless steel components and a 12-inch wall plate plus a 94-degree elbow. The straight termination design is intended for horizontal venting with compatibility for various non-condensing tankless heaters. The kit aims to simplify exterior vent routing while maintaining a clean appearance on exterior walls.
CAMPLUX 3″ Horizontal Vent Pipe Kit
CAMPLUX’s horizontal vent kit provides a detachable solution designed for indoor tankless water heaters. The 3-inch diameter is broadly compatible with several CAMPLUX models and other brand heaters that use a 3-inch vent. It emphasizes low-resistance venting and protective features to minimize debris and rain intrusion while enabling flexible configurations for varying wall and heater layouts.
SP20285 Horizontal Vent Termination Kit
SP20285 is designed to vent high-efficiency fossil fuel appliances, including tankless water heaters. The kit includes a horizontal vent termination and screws for a streamlined install, helping conceal venting while maintaining effective exhaust and intake pathways. The emphasis is on proper ventilation performance for reliable operation and safety.
DiversiTech CVENT-2 Concentric Kit
The Diversitech CVENT-2 is a 2-inch concentric vent kit designed to streamline installation for high-efficiency furnaces and tankless systems. It conceals both intake and exhaust pipes for a tidy exterior appearance. Proper venting remains critical to ensure safe operation and to maintain the efficiency of the combustion process.
ThermoMate 3″ Horizontal Vent Kit
The ThermoMate kit uses premium T304 stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance. It’s designed for horizontal venting of indoor tankless water heaters and emphasizes high-efficiency exhaust venting and easy adjustable assembly for custom lengths, ensuring safe and reliable operation in diverse spaces.
Buying Guide
- Vent type: Decide between concentric and straight/horizontal vent kits. Concentric kits simplify exterior routing by combining intake and exhaust in a single wall pass-through, while straight kits offer flexibility for longer vent runs and complex layouts.
- Diameter and compatibility: Most kits come in 2-inch or 3-inch diameters. Confirm your water heater model’s vent size and any local code restrictions, especially in states with strict venting rules.
- Materials: Stainless steel (especially T304) is common for corrosion and heat resistance. Lower-cost materials may be acceptable for short, sheltered runs but can wear faster in harsher environments.
- Termination components: Look for termination hoods, elbows, wall plates, and rain caps included in the kit. Ensure weather-tight seals and debris/rain protection for outdoor sections.
- Installation considerations: Some kits are designed as OEM or plug-and-play options, while others require field assembly. Check for included clamps, tapes, and screws to minimize extra purchases.
- Code compliance: Local building codes and appliance manufacturer guidelines govern venting. Verify that the chosen kit complies with regional requirements and the specific heater model.
- Maintenance and durability: Durable metals and precise fittings reduce maintenance frequency. Consider ease of disassembly if future servicing is anticipated.
- Indoor air safety: Proper venting prevents backdrafts and ensures efficient exhaust of combustion byproducts. Verify aerodynamic design and low-resistance pathways for optimal performance.
- Aesthetics and noise: Concealed vents and well-sealed installations reduce visible clutter and minimize external vibrations or wind-induced noise on exterior walls.
When selecting an exhaust kit, cross-check model compatibility, vent diameter, and local codes. For contractors, keeping a few go-to options in stock—covering concentric and direct-vent configurations—can facilitate faster installations and consistent results across residential projects.