Can you run a power vent exhaust line downward?

[anticlmatic]

Swapped out a water heater and the existing vent hole is at least a foot below where I can elbow off the top. I read the specs and it mentions pitch of horizontal for condensate purposes but nothing about 45ing it down and out as ok/not ok. It’s about 3 feet from the wall, I’d avoid drilling another hole in the house if I could.

 

[ExtraMilePlumbing]

that goes against city inspection,
I would sell customer new vent line

 

[Jamesplumbing06]

No it can’t vent at that hard of angle. The angle will cause the exhaust to get sucked back in fresh air intake. That will cause gas to burn ineffiecent. You may never know it but some gas will be wasted. Best is to open a new hole at correct height.

 

[anticlmatic]

Thanks guys, I’ll get out the hole hog.

 

[FishScreener]

You’re instructions should give details on venting. Also, check with the AHJ, on their interpretation of the code.