Should the pipe from a radon fan have a rain cap? Should the pipe itself be angled to keep rain out?
Question:Additional Details:
1. Pipe runs along side of house and extends straight up past the roof (basically like a drinking straw along the side of the house).
2. Does the force of the air coming out of the pipe keep the rain from going down the pipe?
3. Would a rain cap cause the moisture to freeze in the winter time (Live in Pennsylvania)?
Answers:
I think it unlikely but possible that water could get down the pipe to the fan but it may not hurt anything there as the fan is made to operate in humid conditions. I would put two 90 degree elbows on it just to keep everything out such as birds, bugs and water but I don't think it essential. Freezing will not be a problem because of the warm air being moved through the pipe.
It is usually preferred not to put a rain cap on the pipe so there is no restriction to the airflow. The forceful airflow usually keeps out most of the rain and snow. However, that said, there are cases in colder climate regions of condensation freezing in the fan and causing premature fan motor failure and there are companies that sell a few different cap arrangements that claim no significant air flow restriction. The link below is one person's story about installing there own mitigation system and they describe a special drain pipe connection just above the fan that allows condensate moisture to drain out in the winter and avoid freezing in the fan.
You should double check by calling a few reputable Radon Mitigation System installers in your area and see what they think. If you can't find any in your area then try calling Finn and Associates in Massachusetts at 1-800-338-0095 and ask what they recommend.
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