Find the right concentric vent kit for CPVC systems with this practical guide. This article highlights five reliable kits that simplify installation, improve venting aesthetics, and fit common residential needs. Best for homeowners upgrading older furnaces, installers seeking quicker setup, and DIYers balancing cost with performance. The top picks cover different pipe sizes and installation scenarios to help you choose confidently.
Buyer’s quick reference: the following table compares the five selected products across key points such as size, primary use, and suitability.
| Product | Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiversiTech CVENT-3 Concentric Kit | 3-Inch | High-efficiency furnaces and tankless heaters | Low profile design; dual-pipe configuration |
| Dakota Sourcing 22153 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit | 3-Inch | Water heaters needing single-hole venting | Horizontal or vertical venting |
| Dakota Sourcing 22152 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit | 2-Inch | Smaller CPVC projects or tighter spaces | Single-hole venting option |
| Rheem ProTech Concentric (3″/5″) Direct Vent Kit | 3″/5″ | Direct vent installations for Rheem systems | Works with up to 5″ walls |
| SHANH SP20286 3-Inch Concentric Vent Termination Kit | 3-Inch | Rheem/Ruud compatible horizontal venting | Premium materials; clean exterior appearance |
DiversiTech CVENT-3 Concentric Kit for 3-Inch Vents
Name: DiversiTech CVENT-3 3-Inch Concentric Kit for Tankless Gas Water Heater, High Efficiency Furnaces, 7.75″ x 40″ x 6.75″, White
Brand: Diversitech
Key features: 3-Inch Concentric Vent; dual-pipe configuration; designed for high-efficiency furnaces; proper venting for safe operation; low profile design to conceal piping
Who it’s best for: Homeowners or installers tackling high-efficiency furnaces or tankless heaters that require a tidy, dual-pipe vent solution. It’s ideal when a streamlined install is prioritized and space is a consideration.
Why this was selected: It combines a compact profile with a dual-pipe system that helps keep exhaust and intake neatly aligned. The kit is suitable for installations where appearance and vent routing are important.
Caution / Limitation: Verify compatibility with your specific appliance model and ensure Massachusetts or New York restrictions are observed, as vent code approvals can vary by location.
Dakota Sourcing 22153 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit, 3-Inch
Name: Dakota Sourcing 22153 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit, 3-inch for Water Heater
Brand: Dakota Sourcing
Key features: Concentric vent termination kit for water heater; saves time and money by reducing work; suitable for horizontal or vertical venting; requires only one hole to be cut
Who it’s best for: Builders or homeowners replacing or installing new water heaters who want a simpler, one-hole solution for vent termination, especially in tight spaces.
Why this was selected: The 3-inch size fits common water heaters and reduces field labor with its single-hole approach, aligning with efficient installations.
Caution / Limitation: Confirm fit with your exact appliance model and wall thickness to avoid venting clearance issues.
Dakota Sourcing 22152 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit, 2-Inch
Name: Dakota Sourcing 22152 PVC Concentric Vent Termination Kit, 2-inch for Water Heater
Brand: Dakota Sourcing
Key features: 2-Inch concentric vent termination; supports horizontal or vertical venting; easy assembly; single-hole venting design
Who it’s best for: Projects in smaller spaces or where a 2-inch vent is required, such as compact water heaters or retrofit jobs.
Why this was selected: Its smaller diameter provides flexibility in space-constrained installations while still offering a concentric termination option.
Caution / Limitation: Availability of 2-inch kits can vary by retailer; ensure compatibility with your heater’s venting requirements.
Rheem ProTech Concentric (3″/5”) Direct Vent Kit
Name: Rheem ProTech Concentric (3″/5“) Direct Vent Horizontal Termination Kit (Max Wall Thickness 5 in.) – RTG20274A
Brand: Rheem
Key features: Direct replacement for Rheem, Ruud and Richmond water heaters; use with additional venting to complete installation; supports up to 5-inch walls
Who it’s best for: Rheem system owners planning a direct vent installation and dealing with thicker exterior walls where a 3/5 inch configuration is advantageous.
Why this was selected: It provides a direct replacement option within Rheem’s ecosystem, which can simplify parts matching and installation planning.
Caution / Limitation: Best used with compatible Rheem units; verify wall thickness limitations before purchase.
SHAHN SP20286 3-Inch Concentric Vent Termination Kit
Name: SP20286 Beige 3-Inch Concentric Vent Termination Kit Replacement for Rheem Water Heater & Furnace Horizontal Vent Termination Kit
Brand: SHAHN
Key features: Compatibility with Rheem/Ruud HVAC systems; premium heat- and corrosion-resistant plastic; maintains exterior cleanliness by concealing vent pipes
Who it’s best for: Installers seeking a durable, aesthetically pleasing vent termination that hides both intake and exhaust pipes for a clean look on exterior walls.
Why this was selected: The kit offers a robust alternative with emphasis on materials and wall appearance, fitting for installations where a neat exterior is important.
Caution / Limitation: Confirm exact Rheem/Ruud compatibility for your model; regional code compliance should be checked in your area.
Rheem SP20265 Concentric Vent Kit
Name: Rheem SP20265 Concentric Vent Kit
Brand: Rheem
Key features: Basic compatibility and package dimensions (China origin noted); designed for direct installation with compatible units
Who it’s best for: Buyers already using Rheem equipment seeking a straightforward, low-cost concentrically vent kit option.
Why this was selected: Serves as a practical option for standard Rheem installations where a dedicated concentric kit is required.
Caution / Limitation: The brief product data provides limited details; verify exact compatibility and mounting requirements before installing.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for CPVC Concentric Vent Kits
- Size compatibility: Match the kit size (2-inch, 3-inch, or 5-inch variants) to your heater’s vent outlets and CPVC piping. Wrong size can cause venting inefficiency or leaks.
- Vent configuration: Decide between single-hole, dual-pipe concentric vents and whether a low-profile design better suits your exterior wall aesthetics and interior space.
- Material and durability: Look for heat- and corrosion-resistant plastics or metals suitable for high-temperature exhaust and intake air. Durable construction reduces replacement frequency.
- Installation environment: Consider wall thickness, clearance from combustibles, and local codes. Some kits support walls up to 5 inches thick; others may have stricter limits.
- Brand compatibility: When possible, choose kits designed for specific brands (Rheem, Ruud, Rheem/Ruud) to simplify mounting and seal integrity.
- Ease of installation: Kits that require fewer holes or simplified assembly can save time and labor costs, especially in retrofit projects.
- Regional compliance: Some vent kits have restrictions in certain states (for example, Massachusetts or New York). Always verify local code approvals before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a concentric vent kit used for?
A concentric vent kit combines intake and exhaust piping into a single, compact assembly, simplifying vent routing for CPVC-based heating appliances. - Can I install a 3-inch concentric vent on a smaller water heater?
Yes, if the heater’s vent outlet matches the kit size and clearance requirements, a 3-inch kit can be used if specified by the appliance manufacturer. - Are there regional restrictions for vent kits?
Yes. Some kits are not approved for use in certain states; check local code requirements before purchasing or installing. - Is it better to choose brand-specific kits?
Brand-specific kits can streamline installation and ensure compatibility, but universal kits may work across multiple brands if specified by the manufacturer. - What maintenance is required for concentric vents?
Regular inspection for leaks, corrosion, and buildup is recommended; ensure seals remain intact and that vent terminations remain clean and unobstructed. - Do these kits require professional installation?
Some installations can be DIY with proper tools and instructions; others are best handled by licensed technicians, especially when gas appliances and venting are involved.