You may use your bathroom for a good steaming hot shower regularly, but the heat and the humid air that gets enclosed in the bathroom can cause some serious damage and imbalances to the environment of the bathroom.
In today’s article, we will discuss if you can use PVC for bathroom vents and exhaust fans.
Can you use PVC for bathroom vent & exhaust fan?
Using PVC pipes for the bathroom vent and an exhaust fan can be a good option. Generally, the materials used for above-ground duct and ventilation systems should have a flame spread index of less than 200. PVC has a low flame spread so it can be used for ducting bathroom vents and exhaust fans.
For considering a pipe for your ventilation systems of the bathroom, you can install PVC for maximum support, convenience and efficiency. Generally, PVC pipes are dedicated to using air insulation, ventilation, ducting, and drainage systems.
Moreover, the PVC pipes have a lower flame spread index, which enables them to become the most preferred pipe for household projects. The PVC pipes can withstand pressure and temperatures.
You can use PVC schedule 40 foam core pipe for the bathroom fan venting. This is considered an ideal option because this type of PVC pipe will provide you with nontoxic and code-compliant installation for the bathroom.
In addition to that, this pipe is easy to install and prevents any water that might leak from the pipe, causing water damage. The schedule 40 PVC pipes are a lightweight option for homeowners that have a cellular core.
The walls of the pipes are made using solid PVC whereas the inner core is foamed. In most cases, the PVC pipes tend to be straight and rigid.
If you require bends in the pipe, you can use long swapping elbows for better air circulation throughout the bathroom.
However, you need to make sure that the PVC pipe you’re using on your bathroom vents is insulated because the installation will prevent the moisture from building up inside the pipes.
In addition to that, the condensation on the inside and outside of the pipe will be ensured.
During summer, the indoor temperatures are usually kept low. That is why condensation is important to maintain the moisture inside and outside of the pipe.
Advantages and disadvantages of using PVC for bathroom vent and exhaust fan:
When you are considering using PVC for bathroom vent and exhaust fan you need to remember that as it has some advantages, there are some disadvantages to using PVC as well.
Although the PVC pipes are considered a cheap and convenient option for your bathroom air ventilation, apes, according to proper measurements, may become a hassle for you.
However, the PVC has a better sealing quality compared to the metal pipes. But the best part of using PVC for bathroom vents is that the PVC is a long-lasting and durable option for your bathroom air ventilation.
As a result, you will not need to replace the pipes after asserting time. In addition to that, you need to make sure that the PVC ducks you are using for bathroom exhaust fans are adequately glued.
Otherwise, water may accumulate inside the pipe due to the moisture. That is why whenever you consider using PVCs for your bathroom, you need to be aware of the disadvantages and advantages of using PVC pipes and maintain them accordingly.
Below is a brief discussion on the pros and cons of using PVC pipes for bathroom vents and exhaust fans:
Advantages:
PVC is long-lasting:
The best part of using PVC pipes for bathroom vents and exhaust fans is that the pipes are long-lasting. If proper maintenance is taken, the pipes can be of use for up to 100 years. That is why the PVC pipe requires less maintenance.
It is preferred over other ventilation pipes:
There are different types of ventilation pipes available in the market, but the PVC pipe is considered one of the most preferred pipes due to its efficiency and durability.
Cost-effective:
Since the PVC pipes require less maintenance and are available in every local store, they are quite cost-effective and efficient options when it comes to venting the bathrooms.
Better than metal pipes:
The PVC pipes have better sealing qualities compared to the metal pipes. If they are sealed properly, they will ensure proper air insulation.
Low flammable:
The PVC pipes have a lower flame spread index and can withstand higher temperatures without getting damaged. That is why they are considered an ideal option for venting.
Chemical and corrosion resistance:
The PVC pipes are corrosion and chemical resistant which makes them durable and versatile in their properties. The corrosion free-formula used in the PVC pipes helps them to increase their lifespan and save money.
Disadvantages:
Difficult to cut:
Although the PVC pipes come in different sizes, you may face difficulties when you try to cut them. In some cases, the PVC pipes need to be bent or cut into smaller pieces to fit on the roofs for proper air ventilation.
But the cutting process may bring hassle and difficulties and cause you some serious trouble.
Can break down in lower temperatures:
Generally, the PVC pipes are supposed to withstand higher temperatures. But the PVC pipes are vulnerable to lower temperatures. During the summer, the indoor temperatures are kept low.
As a result, there is a high chance that the pipes may break down due to lower temperatures and end cause you trouble.
What are the regulations for using PVC for bathroom vent and exhaust fan?
You can use PVC pipes for the bathroom vent and exhaust fan, but you need to follow some rules and regulations to install them in your bathroom for proper air ventilation. Following the rules will help you to ensure proper safety and security.
When you install the PVC pipes and ensure their durability of them. That is why you need to go through a detailed explanation regarding the installation of PVC pipes to use as bathroom vents and exhaust fans.
Below is a brief discussion on the regulations that are needed to be followed when using PVC for bathroom wind and exhaust fan:
Air temperature:
When using a PVC for a bathroom vent and exhaust fan, you need to make sure that the air temperature should not get greater than 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 121 degrees Celsius.
Duct length specifications:
It is advised to keep the duct length as short and straight as possible. This will ensure proper air ventilation through the pipes. It is also considered an efficient solution.
Flame spread index:
When installing a PVC for bathroom vent and exhaust fan you need to be careful about the flame spread index. The materials used to construct the duct systems should not have a flame spread index greater than 200.
What schedule PVC is used for bathroom exhaust vent?
There are different types of PVC pipes available in the market. Not all the pipes are suitable to use as bathroom exhaust vents. Generally, the PVC pipes are available in Schedule 40, 80, and 120.
The ideal previously pipe for the bathroom exhaust vent is schedule 40. This pipe will ensure proper air ventilation throughout the duck systems of their bathroom and keep the temperature of the bathroom stable.
The schedule 40 pipes are also a convenient option to use as a bathroom vent. They are available in almost every hardware store, so they are not that expensive as well.
What size PVC pipe is used for the bathroom vent and exhaust fan?
The benefit of using PVC pipes for bathroom vents and exhaust fans is that the pipes have various sizes and dimensions. As a result, the PVC pipes become a convenient option to use in any type of structural or plumbing work.
If you’re considering using a PVC pipe for the bathroom vent and exhaust fan, you should figure out the right size pipe for the job.
That is why the best option is to use PVC pipe as bathroom vent and exhaust fan is 10’x4′ sch. 20 PVC pipe. This will suit the best with the bathroom ventilation system.
Should the bathroom vent PVC pipe be insulated?
Yes, it is highly recommended to insulate the bathroom vent PVC pipe. Otherwise, the duct gets too cold when it runs through the attic, this causes the condensation of moist indoor air.
As a result, it will cause the water to drip from the exhaust fan. Without proper insulation, your exhaust fan will not be able to provide proper efficiency and convenience.
On the other hand, you may go from serious issues and need to have an expensive repair for the PVC pipe again.
Final Thoughts
You can use PVC for the bathroom window and exhaust fan because it has a lower flame spread index and it can stand higher temperatures. The PVC pipes are durable and long-lasting. That is why the PVC pipes can be used for bathroom vent and an exhaust fan for their versatile characteristics.