Goodman Furnace: Non-direct vent (single pipe) termination
Non-direct vent (single pipe) termination on a Goodman furnace: Non-direct vent, single pipe, means the furnace pulls its combustion air from the room and only the flue pipe goes outside. It can exit horizontally through a side wall, vertically through the roof, or run up an unused chimney with at least 12 in. above the chimney top. The usual headaches are snow burying the termination and weather leaking in around the penetration.
Applies to: Non-direct vent installations
Common causes of non-direct vent (single pipe) termination
- Termination too low and buried by snow
- Unsealed roof or chimney penetration leaking weather in
- Elbow or tee pointing up on a wall exit, letting rain in
- Gap around the pipe in the chimney left open
How to fix non-direct vent (single pipe) termination: step by step
- Keep the termination at least 12 in. above the highest anticipated snow level.
- For a vertical roof exit, seal the penetration with flashing such as used for plastic plumbing vents.
- For a horizontal wall exit, use the termination shown in the figure and point any elbow or tee downward.
- For a chimney run, seal the gap between pipe and chimney with weather-tight, corrosion-resistant flashing.
- Check that the room supplies adequate combustion air for a non-direct vent system.
- After install, inspect the termination from outside during a heat call.
If the unit shows an error code, look it up: Goodman Furnace codes
Source: Goodman GMVC96 service and troubleshooting manual, p. 15-16. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.
General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.