Your plumbing system’s vents are an essential component. Because they provide a way for sewer gases to escape into the atmosphere, without them, these gases would be trapped in your home or building, where they can cause serious health problems. Vents also help reduce the risk of sewage backup into your home or business by allowing sewer gases to escape when there is a blockage in the drain line.
The Importance of Vents in a Plumbing System
Plumbing vents are essential in a plumbing system, as they help reduce the risk of sewer gas, odor, and contamination. The following are some more justifications for adding vents to each room:
Preventing Sewer Gas Contamination
Sewer gas is produced by decomposing organic materials such as paper products, food waste, and human waste. This gas contains carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other harmful substances that can be dangerous if released into your home or business air supply. Vents allow this gas to escape through an opening in your roof so that it can safely mix with outdoor air before entering another building or returning underground through a vent stack.
Preventing Backups
When wastewater flows down through drains and pipes, it creates suction that helps move wastewater from one place to another quickly and efficiently. However, a blockage in the drain line where wastewater can’t pass freely through will cause a backup. This can be dangerous as wastewater backs up your home or business through toilets, sinks, and showers. By installing vents in the drain line, you prevent backups from occurring.
Preventing Sinkholes
Sinkholes will likely develop over time if your home or business is built in a swampy area. This can cause wreckage to the structure of your home or business and personal injury if someone is in a room when it collapses. Installing drains with vents prevents standing water from collecting in areas where it could eventually lead to a sinkhole.
When Does a Plumbing Fixture Need a Vent?
When looking at plumbing fixtures, you’ll notice two types of vents: vent stacks and vent pipes. Vent stacks are the ones that go straight up through the roof, while vent pipes are what attach to the fixture itself and then lead to a vent stack. Both types of vents are used for different reasons and have additional requirements. For a new fixture to operate properly in your kitchen or bathroom, you might need to install a vent stack. This is true if you don’t already have one installed for another fixture (like a dryer or range hood). In this case, a plumber can help determine the size and type of vent stack required for your job by using our comprehensive guide.
At Scott’s Plumbing, we are highly trained in vent pipe installation and can help you determine the correct size and type of vent pipe required for your project. We will ensure that the piping is properly sized and installed according to the code. We also provide high-quality work at an affordable price, so contact us today to learn more.