How Dangerous Is Water Heater Backdraft

Backdrafting is a dangerous situation where toxic combustion gases are not properly vented. Instead of rising up through a chimney and releasing outside, some exhaust gas enters the home. Backdrafting is primarily a concern with atmospheric venting gas water heaters.

How do I stop my water heater from Backdrafting?

To help prevent the possibility of that happening, a listed cap should be installed at the vent terminal at the exterior. A proper cap will help to prevent debris from falling into the vent, keep rain out, prevent downdrafts caused by strong outdoor winds, and is required by the Minnesota Fuel Gas Code (section 503.6.

How do you know if your hot water heater is Backdrafting?

How to check is the water heater backdrafting. The simplest way to check for backdrafting is to put hands around the draft hood, mirror or glass. You will feel the warm gases coming out while the moist inside the flue gases will make the mirror/glass fog up if used as the checking tool.