Answering the common search for “tankless water heater outside vent,” this guide highlights practical vent termination options for exterior walls and explains who each product is best for. The top picks emphasize durability, ease of installation, and concealment of venting for a clean exterior look. Ideal buyers include homeowners replacing an exterior vent setup, contractors seeking reliable kits, and RV or tiny home users who need compact, sturdy vent solutions. Use the summary table below to compare the five featured options at a glance.
Product overview at a glance:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SP20285 Horizontal Vent Termination Kit for Tankless Gas Water Heater | Exterior wall installations with 2-inch PVC/ABS pipes | Low-profile design that hides intake and exhaust for aesthetics |
| SP20285 Horizontal Vent Termination Kit With Screws | DIY and quick installs | Includes all screws and components for easier setup |
| Rheem RTG20280-1 Tankless Horizontal Vent Termination Kit | Durable, long-lasting venting | Stainless steel components and complete wall plate |
| FOGATTI InstaShower 9 Pro RV Tankless Water Heater | RV and mobile setups | Integrated design with retrofit-friendly dimensions |
| APUS 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater | Electric, whole-home use | Fast heat with self-modulating, compact form |
SP20285 Horizontal Vent Termination Kit for Tankless Gas Water Heater
The SP20285 kit is designed to vent high-efficiency fossil fuel appliances, including tankless water heaters and furnaces. It emphasizes a low-profile exterior finish that conceals intake and exhaust pipes for a neater wall appearance. The kit is suitable for 2-inch PVC and ABS pipes and centers at 4 inches. It supports both horizontal through-the-wall and vertical through-the-roof installations. This option is best for homeowners seeking a discrete exterior vent with straightforward installation for 2-inch piping.
Best for: Exterior-wall installations where aesthetics matter and 2-inch piping is used. The kit’s concealment features reduce visible piping and improve curb appeal.
Why selected: It combines venting reliability with a clean exterior look, which helps maintain exterior wall aesthetics while ensuring proper vent performance.
Caution: Confirm pipe compatibility (2-inch PVC/ABS) before purchasing to avoid mismatches with larger or different piping systems.
SP20285 Horizontal Vent Termination Kit With Screws for Tankless Gas Water Heater
This variant includes the SP20285 horizontal vent termination and screws, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free process without requiring additional external attachments. It’s designed to vent high-efficiency fossil fuel appliances and emphasizes proper ventilation to sustain safe and dependable operation. The product is positioned as a practical choice for straightforward outdoor wall installations where screws and standard components complete the kit.
Best for: DIY installers who want an all-in-one kit with fast, screw-in assembly for exterior venting.
Why selected: The included hardware reduces step complexity, helping ensure a clean, secure vent termination on the exterior wall.
Caution: Verify that your system uses 2-inch PVC/ABS piping to avoid incompatibility with other pipe sizes.
Rheem RTG20280-1 Tankless Horizontal Vent Termination Kit
Rheem’s RTG20280-1 kit features durable stainless steel components designed for long-lasting venting performance. The package includes a 12-inch wall plate with mounting screws, plus an angled 94-degree elbow to facilitate proper venting configuration. This setup is well-suited for installations requiring a robust exterior vent, with a focus on corrosion resistance and reliable sealing.
Best for: Projects needing robust, corrosion-resistant venting with a complete wall-plate assembly for secure mounting.
Why selected: Stainless steel parts and a full wall-plate kit simplify installation and improve durability in exterior environments.
Caution: Ensure compatibility with your appliance’s vent size and installation angle to avoid fit issues in tight exterior spaces.
FOGATTI InstaShower 9 Pro RV Tankless Water Heater
FOGATTI InstaShower 9 Pro is tailored for RV and travel trailer use, offering a compact, retrofit-friendly solution with a built-in mixing tank. It is positioned for mobile families and campers needing dependable hot water on the road. The unit ships with a 66,000 BTU capability and is designed for easy installation in limited spaces. It is high-altitude ready and suitable for Class B and larger recreational setups. A potential limitation is that this model is oriented toward RV use rather than standard residential installations.
Best for: RVs, campers, and mobile homes where a compact, integrated system is preferred over separate components.
Why selected: The integrated design reduces installation complexity for small or moving spaces while delivering on-demand hot water.
Caution: Verify venting and space requirements for exterior mounting in travel environments and ensure compatibility with RV electrical standards.
APUS 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
APUS’s 27kW electric tankless model delivers up to 6.5 GPM with self-modulating technology. It is designed for whole-home use with a slim wall-mounted profile and a LED display for easy temperature control. The unit emphasizes high thermal efficiency and rapid on-demand heating. It is best for electrical-ready homes seeking rapid hot water without gas venting, and potential limits include electrical service requirements and compatibility with existing panel capacity.
Best for: Electric-only homes or spaces where gas venting is impractical, seeking fast, efficient on-demand hot water.
Why selected: It provides high efficiency with a compact form factor and modern interface, suitable for retrofit projects in urban homes.
Caution: Check your home’s electrical capacity and or panel load before installation to avoid overloading circuits.
Buying Guide: Venting Tankless Water Heaters On Exterior Walls
What should you consider when choosing outside-venting for a tankless water heater?
- Pipe size compatibility: Most exterior termination kits target 2-inch piping. Confirm pipe size before purchase to ensure a proper seal and safe venting.
- Vent location and aesthetics: Look for low-profile designs that hide intake and exhaust for a cleaner exterior wall appearance.
- Material durability: Stainless steel components resist corrosion in outdoor environments, extending the life of the vent system.
- Installation complexity: Kits with wall plates and included screws simplify mounting and reduce external hardware requirements.
- Vent orientation: Some kits support both horizontal and vertical installations, offering flexibility for various building layouts.
- Safety and compliance: Ensure the kit aligns with local codes for venting high-efficiency fossil fuel appliances and matches the appliance’s venting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the typical purpose of a tankless water heater outside vent kit?
To safely vent exhaust and draw in fresh air while improving exterior aesthetics. - Can I use any 2-inch vent with a tankless unit?
Only if the kit and appliance specify 2-inch compatibility and the fittings match the pipe type (PVC/ABS or metal). - Are stainless steel vent components necessary for outdoor use?
They improve durability and corrosion resistance in weather-exposed areas. - Is horizontal venting always better than vertical venting?
No. It depends on roof layout, exterior wall clearance, and building codes. - Do these kits come with all installation hardware?
Some variants include screws and wall plates; verify contents before buying. - What should I check before buying an electric tankless vent kit?
Confirm electrical requirements and whether the installation location supports exterior venting and code-compliant clearances.