All the plumbing systems in bathroom requires ventilation. Ventilations are very important for all the pipes in your home especially the pipes for toilet sinks and showers. Venting helps in protection of the trap on drain pipe. Moreover, it will help you save the money, fittings, time and even the pipe itself.
There are various methods that you can use to vent your toilet sinks and showers. Some of these methods are easier while some are very technical. But the bottom line is they all meet local building codes. If you have just realized that the plumbing system in your bathroom is not in order, here 4 simple methods that you can use to ensure your toilet sinks and showers are well ventilated even before you think of calling a plumber.
Contents
Vanity Venting
The first method that you can use to vent your toilet sinks and showers is the vanity venting. This is done by just installing a single vertical vent pipe behind all your sinks and showers. The best thing about this method is that you can use it across all the plumbing fixtures.
The optimal spot for venting is the standard sink drain that is located behind the toilet sink and it sits on a higher position than the tub. All the standard sink drains exists behind the sink but through the wall. However, it is important to note that the vent and waste lay out should only be designed by a qualified plumber.
Venting Basics
You can also use this old fashioned method of venting that involves the separation of vent pipes for all the fixtures, but all of them lead to multiple vent pipes that are located in the roof. To vent your bathroom sinks and showers using this method, ensure all your bathroom pipes are sloping downwards and are tied into one stack.
Extend your vent pipes upwards such that they meet the stack higher but on the same line. Preferably at the point of attic. It is important to keep in mind your vent should not connect to your stack lower than the connection drain.
Separate Vents
Yet another method that you can use to vent your bathroom sinks and shower is separate vents. This method is mostly used when the shower or the sink is sitting far apart, or when either the shower or the toilet sink fixtures drain pipe is not connected to the main drain pipe of your bathroom. The main drain pipe of your bathroom is the line running from the commode.
Your bathroom sinks and showers will definitely require an additional vent in this case. To create your vents using the separate method, install separate vent for all the plumbing fixtures that are not connected to the vanity vent. You should separate the roof exit if the fixture is using its own vent line. Alternatively you can make the vent pipe to exit the bathroom through an exterior wall using an opening that is covered using a vent plate.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of remodeling your toilet sinks or showers, although most experienced plumbers recommend installing vents that are vertical through the walls, it is very difficult especially for the already finished walls. In case of such situations, it is impossible to install the air admittance valve on the bathroom sinks or showers drain line.
You can then consider using the AAV to attach all the drain lines of the shower or bathroom sink to the wall that is next to it. Last but not least you should ensure you clear all your plumbing plans with your local authorities and the process should be supervised by a licensed plumber.
Leave a Reply