The Importance of Having a Proper Plumbing Ventilation
What is a plumbing pipe used for? A plumbing line ensures the proper functioning of the plumbing system. Read on to learn why ducts are so important.
A typical home always has a constant flow of water; however, a hidden component ensures that this system functions properly.
This underrated part of the plumbing system is the plumbing line. Recognizing the importance of this direct vent chimney can mean the difference between smooth operation and clogged pipes.
Beyond the plumbing system, a plumbing duct also plays an important role in the drainage system. If that’s not enough to convince you of the need for a plumbing duct, read on. We’ll explore the various benefits of this vent and its different types, and identify the problems associated with venting.
WHY DO I NEED A PLUMBING VENT?
MAINTAINING WATER PRESSURE
When most people think of plumbing systems, they think of the inlet and outlet pipes that carry water throughout the home. Drainage pipes carry waste and dirty water from the sewer system. Meanwhile, we use supply lines to bring water into the building for sinks, appliances, and other everyday items.
In addition to these essential plumbing fixtures, a vent pipe regulates the air pressure throughout the system. Although it may seem out of place, it plays one of the most important roles. It creates a vacuum to control the direction of air in the exhaust and supply lines.
So, a plumbing ventilation system essentially uses air to pump water throughout the home while simultaneously moving waste and sewage out of the home. Even if the other drain pipes are clean and well maintained, they would not work without the vent pipe to drain the water.
REMOVING SEWER GAS
Vents are also important to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Without these vents, sewer gases would slowly build up in the rooms.
These sewer gases are unpleasant, but they can also be dangerous when inhaled. People exposed to these sewer gases without proper protection are at high risk of poisoning and other illnesses.
This is why vents are mostly located on the roofs of homes and buildings. HVAC systems are also placed away from these vents to prevent them from entering the home through another vent. Ultimately, the end goal of a ventilation system is to limit the amount of human contact.
TYPES OF PLUMBING VENT PIPES
Plumbing vent systems have specific variations for specific installations and uses. Below are some of the different types of vents and where you can find them.
TRUE VENT
One of the most common plumbing vents, a true vent, connects directly to the drain line. It is responsible for regulating the flow of gas in your home’s plumbing system. No water circulates through these pipes, so the air is exhausted up to the roof and your bathroom is provided with fresh air.
COMMON VENT
Typically, a standard vent is used when two appliances, such as sinks, are in separate rooms and share a common wall. These vents are connected to a chimney (called a vent pipe) with a cross pipe to differentiate them from other vent pipes in the plumbing system.
AUXILIARY VENT/RE-VENT PIPE
This vent serves as a path directly to the drain line or behind plumbing fixtures such as sinks and bathtubs. Ultimately, it connects other plumbing fixtures to the central vent to control gas buildup.
AIR ADMITTANCE VALVE (AAV)
An essential type of plumbing vent, the AAV, acts as a buffer to prevent gases from entering a room when draining sewage. Once opened, this sewage line can release a sudden influx of harmful sewage gases, which are stopped by gravity using an AAV. Typically, these vents are used for multiple plumbing fixtures around the home, such as the vent itself.
VENT PIPE PROBLEMS
Identifying a problem with your vent pipe can help you determine the best course of action to get water flowing properly again. While you can fix pipe and drain problems, a pipe vent requires special attention.
One of the best steps to take before proceeding is to determine the cause of the blockage. A gurgling sound in the drain pipes is one way to identify a clogged vent. Other signs of a clogged vent include sewage backup, little or no drainage in sinks or bathtubs, and an unpleasant odor that comes from sewer gases.
If you suspect the cause of your blockage is a clogged vent system, it is highly recommended that you call a plumbing professional. If water is left in the riser pipe, there is a high risk of sediment buildup. This buildup can ultimately cause damage to the pipe and can cost a lot of money to repair.
UNDERSTANDING PLUMBING VENTS
It’s safe to say that you will have a better understanding of why vents are so important in any plumbing and drainage system.
Keeping your vents working properly can be beneficial to the smooth running of the system. After all, nobody likes clogged pipes and the hassle of fixing them. Vents prevent unpleasant odors from entering our living spaces, and we have a lot to thank this duct system for.
No modern home is complete without these vents that help us meet our daily needs. With that in mind, we conclude our guide on why these vents are so important.
