Open Exhaust Vent Handling Procedures

Purpose

Provide clear procedures for handling open exhaust vents found on job sites, addressing the carbon monoxide safety risk they present and establishing Spartan Plumbing's standard for remediation.

When to Use

• You discover an uncapped or open exhaust vent in a basement, utility room, or anywhere in a home
• A vent pipe from a previously removed appliance (water heater, furnace) is left open
• During any CO testing that reveals unexpected readings near vent openings
• When a customer reports a draft or unusual smell near old vent pipes

Why This Matters

An open exhaust vent creates a pathway for carbon monoxide and other combustion gases to enter the living space, especially when other gas appliances in the home are running. This is a real safety hazard that must be addressed, not ignored.

Procedure

Immediate Assessment

Identify the source — what appliance was previously connected to this vent?

Take a CO reading at and around the open vent using your Klein ET110

Check if other gas appliances in the home share the same flue or chimney

Assess whether the open vent is creating a backdraft condition for active appliances

If CO Levels Are Normal (Under 9 PPM)

Install a temporary cap on the vent opening — do not leave it open

Use a proper vent cap or, at minimum, a metal cap secured with screws or foil tape

Inform the customer about the hazard and that a temporary fix has been applied

Recommend a permanent solution: proper cap installation, vent pipe removal, or chimney liner evaluation

Document in ServiceTitan with photos of the before and after

If CO Levels Are Elevated (9+ PPM)

Follow the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection & Response SOP immediately

Ventilate the area

Do NOT leave the home without addressing the open vent — at minimum apply a temporary cap

If the CO source is another appliance being affected by the open vent, shut down that appliance until the vent is properly sealed

Escalate to your supervisor if the situation is complex

Permanent Solutions (Recommend to Customer)

Remove the unused vent pipe entirely and seal the chimney or flue connection

Install a proper rated cap on the vent termination

If other appliances share the flue, a chimney liner evaluation may be needed to ensure proper draft

These are upsell opportunities — present as safety recommendations, not sales pitches

Important Notes

• Never leave an open exhaust vent unaddressed — even a temporary fix is mandatory
• This was identified as a compliance gap at Spartan — techs were previously inconsistent in handling open vents. This SOP is the standard going forward
• Open vents are common in homes where a water heater or furnace was replaced and the old vent was not properly sealed
• Document every open vent you find, even if the customer declines a permanent fix

Related SOPs

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection & Response — CO testing and response protocol
• Gas Leak Response Protocol — if gas is involved with the vent issue
• Water Heater Installation (40/50 gal) — proper venting during installation