As shown in the large illustration below, a house has at least one main stack. The stack is a large often 3- or 4-inch-diameter vertical pipe that runs from above the roof down to the main sewer line. Horizontal drain pipes must be sloped so water cannot settle in them. Venting is a sometimes complicated matter, but the principle is straightforward: A vent pipe allows air to come behind the drain water so it flows smoothly.
Without venting, drain water can gurgle, much like water coming out of an upturned thin-necked bottle. Because vent pipes are essential to keep drain plumbing flowing smoothly, local and national codes have very specific requirements for their sizes and placements. Plumbing traps. Each fixture has a trap, which is a curved section of pipe. The curved portion of the trap holds water in such a way that noxious gases cannot back up into the house.
True Vent: It is a vertical pipe attached to your drain line that travels through your roof with no water running through it. Revent pipe: It is also called an auxiliary vent. It is attached to your drain line near the fixture and runs up and over to the main vent. Unfortunately, plumbing vents often become blocked.
When a plunger or auger does nothing to fix your blocked vent, it is best to call an experienced and professional plumber. They ensure that your water and waste are properly flowing, and keeping sewer gases out of your home. Coronavirus Safety Procedures View Policy. Normally they run level or plumb unless there is an obstacle to work around. Vent pipes must be installed so they stay dry.
This means that they should emerge from the top of the drainpipe, either straight vertically or at no less than a degree angle from horizontal, so that water cannot back up into them. The horizontal portion of a revent pipe must be at least 6 inches above the fixture's flood level, or the highest point to which water can rise.
On a sink, the flood level is the sink rim or overflow hole. Plan drain lines to minimize the possibility of clogs. These in turn lead to the main stack, which is the largest pipe of all typically 4 inches. Because the main stack is also vertical, it will rarely clog.
Water travels downward through the stacks to the main drain line, an underground horizontal pipe that leads to the municipal sewage system or to a septic system. In older homes, the main drain might be made of clay pipe or other porous material. Tree roots sometimes work their way into the main line, causing wastewater to back up into the house. The solution is to call a company that specializes in augering main lines. A true vent pipe must remain dry while water runs down the drain.
A wet vent also serves as a drain line but is large enough that it never actually fills with water. In some cases, local codes allow for other venting strategies. For instance, a basement sink might be vented with a special wall vent, which simply runs out the wall. Alternatively, a cheater vent, a small device that draws air from the room rather than outside, might be allowed. Learn what cannot be flushed down the toilet to avoid plumbing nightmares.
Tired of hearing drip, drip? Then learn how to find the causes of a leaky faucet and the best way to fix it with these steps from American Home Shield.
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