CPVC ? - InspectionNews

Rick Hurst · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 05:57 PM

Do you call out CPVC on top of a gas water heater when it is close to the exhaust?

I always have called it out as being a risk for heat damage but all the plumbers around say its ok.

Any feedback.

rick

Nick Ostrowski · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 06:03 PM

I would still call it Rick. If the plumbers want to take ownership of that flood-to-be, I say let em' have at it. If I remember correctly, CPVC is only stable for temperatures up to 180 degrees and that's from water in the pipes. I could see the pipe melting if you get a water heater that has a backdrafting issue or even if it is firing for an extended period of time due to usage of a lot of hot water (bathing, washing machine running at same time).

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Do you call out CPVC on top of a gas water heater when it is close to the exhaust?

Rick,

It is required to be 6" from the drafthood, 6" from single wall vent, and 1" from Type B gas vent.

Let the plumbers say it is okay an do it, you just give them the code section/manufacturers' installation instructions which tells them *not* to do it.

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 08:39 PM

This is the one in question.

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 08:42 PM

Rick,

From the draft hood it requires 6" clearance to *all* combustible material: the CPVC, the foam insulation, etc.

That's not even addressing the effect of the heat on the CPVC, just that the CPVC is 'combustible'.