You just purchased your analog to digital television converter box and a new television antenna, and are ready to get everything installed. Once up on the roof, you discover the only place to install the antenna is on a vent pipe. You start to worry if the antenna will work properly on the pipe. The answer is yes--you can mount the antenna on a vent pipe. You just must know what type of mounting hardware you will need and if your vent pipe can support your antenna.
Vent Pipes & Antennas
Only small antennas can be attached to a vent pipe. Most vent pipes are not stable and sturdy enough to support a medium or large mast antenna. When wind, ice and other weather elements hit your area, the antenna could fall and damage both property and the antenna. Vent pipes are generally manufactured out of soft materials like cooper and plastic that are easily broken if a heavy weight is placed on them. Older homes may have iron vent pipes, but most may have been converted to plastic (PVC). Use caution when mounting an antenna on to a vent pipe.
Antenna Mounting Hardware
If your antenna is small and the vent pipe is the only mounting option, purchase a vent pipe antenna mast mount bracket from your local electronics or home improvement store. The hardware is usually steel, ceramic or some other sturdy material; fits pipes from 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches in diameter; and is easily installed with regular tools. Follow the directions and cautions on the mounting bracket package closely. Also, don't forget to ground the antenna to an earth ground. Most antennas will come with a ground wire attached. Just run the wire down the side of your house to a metal water pipe in the ground.
Testing Your Antenna
Once the antenna is installed on the vent pipe, test by shaking the vent pipe some to make sure the mounting bracket is tight. Make any needed adjustments if the bracket is loose. If everything is tight and secure, then run the coaxial cable into your house so you can connect the antenna to your television set(s). Note, your coaxial antenna cable can easily be ran through the attic or down the side of the house. Use cable staples to secure the wire in place. If running through an attic, make sure you caulk around any openings you had to make in order to run the coaxial cable inside of your home.
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