A fan pipe is a type of communication equipment used in water supply systems and (mainly) sewage systems. This product is designed to connect the pipeline to the atmosphere. With its help, ventilation of water systems is carried out. Most often, such a pipe is used by owners of private houses and cottages, but it is also in demand in the construction of multi-apartment buildings.
Fan pipes are designed for inflow and rarefaction of air in the sewer system, this channel has access to the roof
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The main characteristic
The fan pipe, as already mentioned, is used to provide ventilation of sewer systems. It serves to connect pipes to the environment. Thus, this device helps to solve two problems at once:
- The removal of gases from the communication network (on which the serviceability of the pipes and the safety of the residents depend).
- Maintaining the desired pressure level inside the pipes, because when a significant amount of working fluid is released, the air inside the system becomes more rarefied. Such a phenomenon may lead to malfunctioning of shutoff valves.
Fan devices are used in almost all types of buildings, playing an important role in the operation of the entire waste fluid removal system. However, not in every case such a detail is needed. For example, when arranging a sewage system in a one-story building, it is optional. This is due to the fact that in a small private house at the same time a large amount of liquid waste is not supplied. Do I need a fan pipe in a two-story private house or a multi-story building? Of course, yes, since the sewer system in such buildings is already able to accommodate large volumes of the working environment.
The proximity of the septic tank to the house is an “indication” for the installation of a fan pipe
To be sure of the need to install a fan pipe (in a two-story house and a building with a raised number of floors), check if there are any reasons for this:
- if the cross section of the riser pipes is less than 110 mm, then this is a necessary measure;
- if there is a waste tank or septic tank near the building;
- if the house has several plumbing units that can be operated simultaneously;
- if you have a swimming pool or other device capable of delivering large volumes of waste fluid.
The principle of operation of fan devices is that when the air inside the system is diluted, it is absorbed from the outside, which will protect the siphons from drainage and, as a result, the unpleasant smell of waste from the pipes gets into the house.
Classification of fan pipes
Before purchasing equipment, check out the product range to know which pipe you need.
Fan pipes are classified by shape and material from which they are made.
According to the first sign, the equipment is distributed on:
- straight pipe;
- monolithic elbow;
- adapter;
- bent pipe.
The size and shape of pipes and fittings for fan risers is selected depending on the location and configuration of the sewer network
They establish this or that kind in their home, depending on the availability of the installation site, the size of the pipeline and its shape. If in hard-to-reach places you need, for example, a curved part, adapters and elbows, then when working in a spacious room with even walls, things will be much easier and you can use a direct device.
There are also types of fan pipes that differ in the material from which it is made. According to this classification, there are:
- plastic pipes. This species has become popular relatively recently. The material itself is cheaper, lighter and has many advantages over metal, but it also has its drawbacks;
- metal. Most often, the material is cast iron alloy. This is a classic embodiment of a communication pipe. Of course, much of which it is inferior to the newer plastic form, however, much of what wins.
When choosing the equipment that will be installed in the house, pay attention to the price, quality of the material and, of course, the features of the planned system and its location.
Pros and Cons of Plastic
Now more and more popular are polymer fan pipes. This is justified by a number of undoubted advantages of such equipment over analogues of other materials.
- a large selection of types of polymers. Nowadays, the plumbing market can offer a lot of variations of plastic pipes. Here are a variety of materials (PVC, HDPE and LDPE, polypropylene and others), and various forms, types, diameters, colors, equipment;
- nice price. Polymers are less expensive than cast iron or, for example, copper. This is one of the main advantages of a plastic fan pipe when installed in a private or multi-story building;
- a light weight. This greatly simplifies the work with the material and its transportation;
- ease of installation. Due to this quality plastic sewer pipes and its ventilation systems can be installed in a private cottage and independently with minimal cost and using a small amount of equipment.
The main advantage of polymer pipes is the ability to install systems from them independently, without the help of professionals
However, like any product, in addition to its strengths, the plastic fan pipe also has disadvantages.
It is no secret that some types of polymers have such a disadvantage as susceptibility to the negative influence of ultraviolet rays. This makes fan pipes less durable when installed in a private house in an open way.
The low level of resistance to mechanical damage is also one of the drawbacks. The material itself is softer and more flexible than, for example, cast iron. Accordingly, when installing such a system in a private cottage, mechanical damage is more likely.
Advantages and disadvantages of metal
Metal equipment in the arrangement of sewer communications in a private house and other types of rooms has been used for a long time. And now, various types of this material remain relevant, as it has several advantages:
- strength. Cast iron alloy has this distinctive property. The rigid and dense structure of the material ensures the safe uninterrupted functioning of the fan pipe even in a large multi-storey building, preventing possible breakdowns;
- durability. By virtue of the same density and stiffness, metal is less wear resistant and retains its operational characteristics longer;
- resistance to mechanical damage. Such fan pipes are not afraid of accidental impacts and damage, which allows them to easily withstand external loads, and they do not form cracks;
- immunity to ultraviolet. You can safely install these pipes in an open space, in direct sunlight - this will not affect their durability in any way.
Pipes made of metal can be installed on the outside of the building, without any coating, since they do not collapse under the influence of ultraviolet radiation
The ability of such a fan pipe to work in difficult climatic conditions. This means that the use of this material makes it possible to operate the sewer system in a private cottage even at extreme temperatures.
However, do not forget about the minuses inherent in metal fan pipes:
- corrosion. It is no secret that this is the most characteristic minus, however, such a disadvantage is nowadays eliminated by special treatment, spraying, galvanizing or additives to the composition of the pipe material;
- transportation difficulties. The heavy weight and fixed shape make the transportation and installation process more expensive. A metal pipe is less compact and lightweight than a plastic one, which means it takes more time to move it;
- higher price. Metal is more expensive than plastic, in addition, for such a system in your home you will need special fittings and other equipment. Complex installation of the system in the house. A high melting point involves the use of more powerful special equipment when installing communications in a private cottage.
Fan pipes are a mandatory part of the sewer system in many homes. The normal functioning of the drainage network largely depends on them. It is not difficult to choose such a pipe. In addition, modern materials provide an opportunity to save both on the purchase itself and on installing fan pipes, because their installation is very simple and without any problems done by hand.
