Furnace Pvc Exhaust Pipe Condensation

If the vent pipes are not protected by screens you take a big risk for furnace problems due to pipe obstruction or infestations from pests.

Furnace pvc exhaust pipe condensation.

This high efficiency venting system must be installed when you install the new furnace. The pvc pipes are used for air intake exhaust gas and to remove the corrosive condensation resulting from the combustion process. If your furnace has white pvc exhaust pipes you have a condensing furnace. Some high efficiency furnaces also include a plastic pipe for intake area and all types use a third plastic pipe to drain away the corrosive condensation resulting from the combustion process.

High efficiency furnaces produce high amounts of condensation moisture in the exhaust vent which is designed to run back into and through the furnace in order to drain out into either a floor drain or other approved draining system. Generally the exhaust pipe should slope back towards the furnace about 1 4 per foot. You will always get condensation in the exhaust flue on a run as long as yours. High efficiency gas furnaces have plastic vent pipes that extend to the outdoors to get rid of exhaust gases and bring in fresh air for combustion.

These pvc or cpvc pipes can be inviting to rodents and birds especially in the winter as well as insects mostly in summer looking for a home. Your furnace is designed to collect and drain that condensate. Your if there was a problem with those exhaust pipes being a source for condensation then codes wouldn t allow a single wall pvc pipe to be in that environment is a declaration that you are making not code. Condensation on the outside of a plastic tube isn t a safety problem more an aesthetic one.

Condensation in the flue or vent pipe is not dangerous in itself but can create a dangerous condition. You don t need to drill any holes in the pipe. 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. This pipe directs combustible gases away from your home.

These pvc pipes are connected to the furnace and expelled outside. It sounds like you have plenty of grade but your pipe is not straight. If your furnace has a metal exhaust pipe you have a conventional furnace. The pvc sticks out of the side of the house and the guy who installed the furnace said not to put any screening over the pipe because in very cold weather northern illinois condensation could collect on the screen freeze and seal off the inlet or outlet.

Your exhaust pipe is the metal or pvc pipe that connects to your furnace and goes through the roof or side of the house. Without this indoor air will permeate the insulation and condense internally against the pipe.