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PVC Vent Cap — Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I keep squirrels out of my PVC vent pipes extending from my roof? There are a lot of squirrels around my area and I have heard about things happening in vent pipes.

Install the patented E-CAP.

What is an E-CAP?

The E-CAP is a product used to protect an opening of a PVC Flue Pipe.

Why do I need my Flue Pipe protected?

Studies have shown that a PVC pipe opened to the elements is an open invitation for leaves, twigs, birds, nests, squirrels, along with other elements, to enter. If these critters and debris find their way into the pipe, the pipe clogs and the gases cannot escape.

What happens when a bird builds a nest?

Any time the flue pipe is clogged, a pressure switch will shut down the furnace. This results in a costly, unnecessary service call.

Why would I want to install the E-CAP?

A lady was once told that she had raccoons coming in her roof vents and she didn’t believe it. One day she came home to a family of raccoons in her living room.

What type of pipes will the E-CAP protect?

Any PVC pipe that is exposed to the elements. The E-CAP is made to protect all PVC air-flow pipes, sizes 1½ , 2, and 3 inches, that extend either through the roof line or from the side of a structure.

I was wondering if you could tell me if the E-CAP has been used in conjunction with Radon exhaust systems? At present, I have an open pipe extending vertically off the exhaust fan and would like to put a cap on the pipe. My concerns are - air flow restriction and possible noise issues.

Based upon past and current sales, we are aware of locations with 3″ Radon exhaust systems using the E-CAP. This cap was designed to keep restrictions and environmental elements from entering into the pipe externally and is the first cap to receive the CSA mark of approval for venting systems. You may find information about this approval from www.ecaproof.com (Commercial site for the E-CAP) on the Product Specs. page. Click on CSA Approval, on right side of page, for details. The E-CAP was tested on all types of weather conditions, any possible restriction associated with vent gases, UV light, and heat and chemicals from furnace gases by CSA and was found to be effective up to 212 degrees. In surveying homeowners who have had this cap in place a long period of time, we found none who have witnessed any noise issues associated with using the E-CAP. There have been no issues presented that we are aware of concerning noise from the use of the E-CAP.

I need to cap a sewer vent pipe on my roof. To your knowledge, would placing the E-CAP on the sewer line PVC pipe coming off the roof cause any air flow issues?

The E-CAP was originally designed for High-Efficient Heating and Cooling systems, although the pipes are also used by plumbers, who install the E-CAP on PVC sewer pipes. We have testimonials from plumbers who have successfully used the E-CAP for these pipes. The E-CAP is requested due to the prevention of elements getting into the pipes and for the allowance of the pipes to actually vent better than having an exposed pipe alone. Without protection the likelihood of such things as bird nests and other debris like twigs, leaves, etc. are possible as well as birds and squirrels getting stuck down in the pipes. The E-CAP addresses all these issues.

Will the E-CAP cause a restriction on any vent pipe?

No. E-CAP’s unique design protects PVC vent pipes from external elements while allowing vented gas to escape. The E-Cap actually provides better airflow than an unprotected conventional PVC pipe can produce.

Do I need to clean out the PVC vent pipe before installing the E-CAP?

It is a good idea to make sure there are not any critters and/or debris in the pipe before installing the E-CAP.

How do I check the vent pipe for critters and debris?

Simply, take a flashlight and shine down the open vent pipe. If the vent pipe is completely clear, you should be able to see down the pipe until it makes a turn. If the pipe is clear, it should be ready for installation of the PVC E-CAP.

If I check the vent pipe and do not see all the way down, what do I do?

If your PVC sewer line is clogged, take your garden hose, stick it in the pipe 6 to 12 inches, and turn on the water full blast to try and flush down the clog. If this does not work, and water starts to come out of your pipe, you will need to snake out your line. Even though you can do this yourself, we recommend that you have a professional plumber remove the clog. For a clogged PVC furnace vent pipe, contact your handyman or Heating and Cooling Contractor to come out and take care of the clog for you, as they will possibly need to cut the PVC line to remove the clog, depending on where the obstruction is and repair the PVC pipe using a PVC coupling after the PVC pipe is cleared. Depending upon your experience and confidence level for a Do It Yourself (DIY) project, you may be able to remove the clog and repair the PVC pipe yourself. Just be careful if you hear movement or noise in the pipe as it may be a live, scared bird, squirrel or other critter.

How do I install the E-CAP?

For general installation, Install the E-CAP on the PVC vent pipe with standard PVC Cement. For installation on High Efficiency furnace vent pipes, install the E-CAP with at least 10″ clearance from roofline with standard PVC Cement on your High Efficiency furnace. Fits 1½, 2″ and 3″ PVC Pipe. The E-CAP can be used on both intake and exhaust vent pipes. Install exhaust at least 12″ above Intake. CSA Approved. The E-CAP is designed for VERTICAL venting applications on PVC or ABS Plastic Pipe. It can be used for HORIZONTAL venting applications by extending the pipe from the building structure per the furnace/boiler manufacturers installation instructions, and adding a 90 degree elbow in the up position. Then install the E-CAP on to the elbow. The flue gases will exhaust in the down flow direction. For sewer vent pipes, make sure when you go to install the E-CAP that you have at least 12″ clearance above the shingles/roofline. The E-CAP may also be installed by your handyman or any professional Plumbing or Heating and Cooling service company.

Can the E-CAP be painted if I want to blend it in with my home's exterior?

Yes. Even though customers tell us that the E-CAP is an attractive addition to the home’s exterior appearance and curb appeal as is, you can change the color of the E-CAP. You can then paint the E-CAP a color to match the exterior of your home, if you choose to do so. Make sure to put down a drop cloth, plastic, or other covering to protect your roof from being damaged from paint spills or spray from the paint. The E-CAP is made with Geloy CR7520 Resin. Geloy Resin is a durable hard plastic. Adhesion and performance vary with part design, processing and paint applicator.

Can I transition PVC Vent pipes onto existing metal vent pipes on my roof?

Yes. Installation instructions to transition PVC vent pipes onto existing metal vent pipes:

In use with existing metal pipe on roof:

1. Measure the height of existing metal pipe from roofline.

2. Go to local hardware store:
A. Purchase a 1½ inch X 1 and ½ inch Flexible Coupling which connects Cast Iron, Plastic, Copper, or Steel Pipes. * If you have a 2″ or 3″ pipe, follow the same instructions as the example for 1 and ½ inch pipe.*
B. Purchase a 1½ inch PVC Pipe to make the total height of vent piping to make at least 12″ in height from roofline. (Ex. Metal vent pipe is 6″; purchase 6″ PVC pipe.) ** If you do not have the materials for cutting the PVC pipe to desired height, ask your hardware store if they can make the cuts you need. **

At Home installation instructions:

A. Go onto roof using a steady ladder. (** For safety reasons, if you do not feel comfortable self-installing, please contact your local handyman, plumber, or heating and cooling contractor to do the install for you. ** )
B. Make sure existing pipe is adequately supported.
C. Loosen, but do not completely remove the steel clamps on coupling.
D: Fit coupling over existing metal pipe end to about the halfway point on coupling.
E. Fit PVC pipe into coupling to about halfway point.
F. Tighten clamps until coupling is secure on both vent pipes.

⚠PIPEY SAYS: BE SAFE!!!⚠

** For safety reasons, if you do not feel comfortable self-installing the E-CAP, please contact your local handyman, plumber, or heating and cooling contractor to install the E-CAP for you. **

Pipey feels that the most commonly asked questions have been addressed. If you have a question that is not listed, please feel free to Ask Pipey. And please give me a safe environment away from all the critters and debris that are trying to attack me and stop my mission of directing vent gases out of myself properly.

SAVE PIPEY!!!

*For even more reasons to save Pipey, visit our testimonials page!

The ECAP321 is APPROVED in the United States and Canada by CSA International for use on 3 sizes (1½", 2" & 3") for use on plastic vent pipes from High Efficiency furnace installations with maximum outlet temperatures of 212 OF(100 OC)

E-Cap Benefits

Durable

Fits Three Sizes of PVC Pipe All In One Cap

Extreme Weatherability

Can Be Painted

High Gloss Finish with Natural Sunblock

UV Resistant

Made from GELOY Resin ‐ also used for House Siding and Windows

Applauded by Homeowners

Recyclable

Saves Money and Brings Peace of Mind

What are some of the tried and failed ways to save Pipey? See Pipey's response.

Some people think that the best way to save Pipey is to add chicken wire to the top of Pipey.

Pipey says: “Put chicken wire on your head and see how that feels.”

Put barbed wire, nails, broken glass, or baby oil around Pipey and then sit outside with a 9mm pistol.

Pipey says: “Please refrain against such violence. You might shoot me instead.”

Put a cat in the pipe.

Pipey says: “Do you think that I would want something bigger than the squirrel inside of me? That is problem enough. Just imagine what would happen if I was clogged by both the squirrel and the cat. Yuck!! Beware! They may also end up somewhere you least expect, like running loose in your house after coming up from your toilet. Wouldn’t that just be a scream to come home to?”

Put a metal vent cover on Pipey.

Pipey says: “What?! That is terrible. It looks bad on me, and it ruins my image, not to mention makes me dirty and unsightly. Anybody have some rust remover? The money spent on the PVC E-Cap is well worth investing in and looks so much better on me.”

Put together a double 90 degree candy cane addition on Pipey.

Pipey says: “So you want to bend me over, and make me get in uncomfortable positions, huh? Come on now. Let’s reason together, a little. Can we sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about it first. I mean, let’s get real here people. You try sitting vertical on a pitched roof doing your job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I don’t even get paid for pipe’s sake. There should be some sort of labor law to protect me here. Ok. Where were we? Oh Yes. Think about this. Someone forces you to bend over to a perfect 90 degree position, then hang your arms down in a straight vertical position. Yes. Just as I thought, ouch that hurts. You got it. You feel me. Hurts, doesn’t it? Do that for a while and I promise bending back up right will be a chore, not to mention what your neighbor will think about your gooseneck configuration. Image alert!! So please leave the goose in the past. Say no to the goose and keep my image upright. My back will thank you. Now that is not all. Just imagine you are in this very uncomfortable position and a bird comes along and builds a nest on your back, in my case inside the long horizontal portion of my 90°ree;, then on top of all that straining, you begin to not be able to breathe from all that weight on you. For me it would stop me up not allowing the gases or air to flow through me. That is a very likely occurrence, you know. I have seen that happen to my friends. How terrible!”

Pipey's Pep Talk

For your safety, as well as mine, keep nails, glass, baby oil, guns, and cats (even though I’m sure they would be more than willing to chase a squirrel down my maze of pipe system) off your roof and away from me.

Fit the wonder cap saves pipey

Did you know your roof vent pipes are in danger?

Plumbing, Heating and Raydon Vents Have No Fear Fit The Wonder Cap Is Here!