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?

Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

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).

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
February '21 Contributors!

1. Dan W.
2. Franck
3. Jesse
4. CJ B.
5. Brian G.

6. Mike
7. Matt
8. Casey M.
9. Jay R.
10. Glenn B.

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Why Sponsor?

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2021 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.