The plumbing system in your home may work differently than you think. At Stephens Plumbing, we want homeowners to be aware of how their home’s plumbing system operates so they know what to look for if any plumbing problem arises. We’ll go over how your plumbing vents work, why they’re important, and the different types of plumbing vents there are. Every home should be built with a plumbing vent system. Make sure you know how to identify yours and ensure proper functioning.
What Is a Plumbing Vent Pipe?
Plumbing vent pipes were created to direct gasses from your home’s drainage and piping system to the outside, safely away from your home. There are a few different types of plumbing vents your home can have, but they all work alongside your drain pipes. While your drains carry water in your plumbing system, vents carry air or harmful gasses. Plumbing vents are meant to regulate the air pressure in your home's plumbing system. If they’re not working properly, the gasses from your plumbing system can seep into your home and cause pressure in your system, increasing the risk of pipe bursts and other costly plumbing problems.
The Benefits of a Plumbing Vent Pipe
Your plumbing system works to move waste and water through the pipes in your home to the city sewer or septic system—which is a vital process to a well-functioning home. The vent pipes in your plumbing system make this process possible by ensuring fresh air enters the drain pipes when you use a toilet, sink, shower, etc. Vent pipes have two main purposes that benefit your home:
- They release bad, harmful gasses out of your plumbing system.
- They ensure the flow of fresh air through your plumbing system.
Common Types of Plumbing Vents Pipes
Plumbing vents are essential, especially when constructing a new home or undertaking renovations such as adding a sink or tub. It's crucial to ensure that any plumbing system or fixture is properly installed with an appropriate plumbing vent that complies with local plumbing codes. Various types of vent pipes include:
Vent Stack
This is the most common type of vent that is used, also known as a “direct vent”. These penetrate through the top of your roof, and depending on the size of your home, there may be multiple vents.
Wet Vent
This type of vent is two-in-one, it’s both a drain and a vent, all in one pipe. Not all areas allow wet vents, making them less common.
Air Admittance Valve
This vent, also known as an “auto-vent”, is a small vent that connects to a drainpipe. It allows fresh air into the pipes while regulating the pressure when draining. This type has grown in popularity since it’s cheaper and uses less pipework than vent stacks.
Get Your Plumbing Vents Serviced
Understanding the importance of plumbing vent pipes is crucial for homeowners to ensure the proper functioning of their plumbing systems. Whether you're installing a new plumbing system or servicing your old one, Stephens Plumbing can help. Keep your home functioning properly; call us today.