CPVC System With Steel Riser Require Air Vent?

4/15/2020

NFPA 13 2016 Edition, Section 7.1.5 Air Venting.

A single air vent with a connection conforming to 8.16.6 shall be provided on each wet pipe system utilizing metallic pipe.

Does the term "utilizing" mean that any system using metallic pipe in any part of it should have an air vent? Would a system with steel verticals and CPVC horizontals then require an air vent?

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3 Comments

Thomas Jones III

4/15/2020 10:17:26 am

Not an answer to your question but a possible recommendation if the answer comes back as "Yes". We have found that adding a 1" ball valve (usually in the garage for 13D or in the attic for 13R or 13) helps bleed air out of the system and confirm that antifreeze is filling the entire system. This would work as a manual valve.

Jonathan Joseph

4/15/2020 10:27:10 am

I don't think it would be necessary as long you have installed an inspectors test from the highest most remote branch line. All the air will be pushed out of your metallic risers.

Franck

4/15/2020 10:42:30 am

The purpose of the air vent is to avoid corrosion. And air is normally trapped at the highest points. So if there is no chance to have air trapped in your metallic section, there is no need to provide air vent system, because your plastic piping will not be affected.
In addition, as mentioned by Jonathan, there are other ways to possibly vent the air from your system if needed. The ITC is one of them (also considered by NFPA 13 as a possibility).

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