By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Insert the water heater draft hood by the legs into the holes in the top of the water heater. When you replace the entire water heater, replace the draft hood with a new one even if you find the old hood in good working order.
Step2
Ensure that you use the correct size vent pipe on your water heater. Use a pipe with a diameter at least as big as the draft hood collar. When you replace the entire heater, look at the vent pipe and be sure it isn't corroded. If you notice damage, replace the pipe too.
Step3
Install the vent pipe straight up over the top of your water heater as far as you can. When you lay the pipe horizontally, angle it up 1/4 inch for every foot of pipe you use. Attach the pipe with sheet metal screws.
