Can PVC pipe be used for exhaust?
PVC or ABS plastic piping is often used on high-efficiency heating and water heating systems as vent piping for the exhaust gases, since the exhaust temperatures are relatively low. This piping is often vented out the side of the home. This includes high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.
Why is PVC piping bad?
PVC, a combination of plastic and vinyl, is a durable material that can be manufactured at a low cost. PVC pipes are inexpensive to install and can last indefinitely! However, they are only suitable for cold water. Hot water will cause the PVC pipe to leach chemicals, specifically vinyl chloride, into the water.
What are the PVC pipes coming out of my furnace?
If your furnace is 90% efficient or greater, you probably have PVC pipes coming out of the wall of your home that look something like those pictured here. These pipes allow the furnace to intake fresh air and to safely vent flue gasses out of the home.
What is PVC piping used for?
It’s the white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it’s become a common replacement for metal piping. PVC’s strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost have made it one of the most widely used plastics in the world.
Is it OK to use PVC pipe for drinking water?
Most schedule 40 PVC found in homes and offices is white pipe with a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating for potable water. A possible solution is to replace your PVC pipes with an approved material such as CPVC (a stronger type of PVC) or copper. Both materials are considered safe for potable water.
How long will PVC plumbing last?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Traditionally, PVC piping only lasts between 25-40 years. However, with recent technological advancements, PVC pipes may be able to last 70 years or more.
Can you use PVC for furnace exhaust?
Traditional gas-fired, forced-air furnaces produce hot combustion exhaust gasses and therefore need metal vent pipes, or chimneys. In contrast, modern high-efficiency condensing furnaces exhaust much cooler gasses and need only plastic pipe materials—such as PVC, CPVC, or ABS—for their exhaust vents.
What are the two PVC pipes coming out of my house?
Air Conditioning Drain If you have a central air conditioning system, you may be looking at a condensation drain. When an air conditioner cools the air in the house it also removes moisture from the air. These drains are often made of PVC and will slowly drip on the side of your home.