Water Heater Flue Baffle 101

What are some common issues with Flue Baffles?

My water heater is making a rattling sound

Outside the possibility of condensation and issues with other parts, a common sign of an issue with Flue Baffles is a rattling sound coming from a heater. This is typically the result of the Flue Baffle being incorrectly seated/installed in the unit or the clips that secure the Flue Baffle down breaking off, or in some cases, having no clips at all.



Power Vent + Damper Models | My water heater is not operational/locked out and/or my water heater has a three flash code

If the Flue Baffle has come out of place, it is possible for the rising heat and the blower assembly to pull the Flue Baffle up (usually not completely, just the top “collar” of the baffle), which will block the blower and prevent the pressure switch from opening. This occurrence can also cause the blower to overheat, as the exhaust gases go out of the sides of the Flue Baffle, forcing it to shutdown as a form of a soft lockout for safety purposes.



Standard Atmospheric Units | My water heater is new and not operational

One of the most commonly overlooked issues on new water heaters is the placement of the Flue Baffle. Depending on the end user’s location and which manufacturing plant their water heater originated from, a unit’s Flue Baffle may be knocked out of place during transport. Because it is not an obvious issue, it often goes overlooked and may give a false appearance of a defective unit.



Are Flue Baffles expensive?

No | The most common Flue Baffles we work with cost between $15-$30 each. If a technician discovers an issue with the Flue Baffle while performing warranty service, the manufacturer will typically pay for the labor (if labor warranty is still active) and provide a new Flue Baffle kit if necessary.