02/20/2026
Either someone took a scary installation shortcut, or that’s a funny looking clothes dryer! Flexible foil dryer ducts are not meant for the high flue temperatures produced by gas water heaters, and using them in this fashion creates a fire and combustion gas hazard.
We found this configuration while inspecting the attic of an older home in Madison County, although the water heater was fairly new. Definitely did not appear to be a professional install…is that melted duct tape holding it in place?
