How to Vent Plumbing

Do you need a RISER DIAGRAM for a permit? CALL me: 603-470-0508 Go here to order: shop.askthebuilder.com/draw-p... Need DIY Install HELP? shop.askthebuilder.com/15-min...
IMPORTANT NOTE: The bathroom vanity connection you'll see early in the video is AGAINST CODE. The OWNER insisted on this shallow s-trap configuration. The house is in central New Hampshire where there are NO plumbing inspections required by the small town. I told the owner it was against code but he insisted I do it that way because he wanted to make sure he could get a drain-cleaning snake down past the tee. No matter what I said he insisted on the wye and 45.
www.AsktheBuilder.com founder, Tim Carter, is also a master plumber. He shows RARE video of plumbing vent pipes in an attic and walls before they disappear forever behind drywall.
Discover more of Tim's videos and columns on plumbing venting at askthebuilder.com:
www.askthebuilder.com/plumbing...
www.askthebuilder.com/loop-ven...
www.askthebuilder.com/plumbing...
Carter installed the vent pipes for this plumbing himself in a new home in central New Hampshire in the winter of 2016.
He talks about the importance of installing a full-sized vent on at least one stack all the way from the base of the stack up and through the walls and then through the roof.
There's been a disturbing trend away from using a full-size vent in new homes. Many plumbers feel small 1.5 and 2-inch vent pipes will be enough to vent an entire home.
Small vent pipes can choke off on the inside with ice in bitterly cold climates. When you use a full-sized 3 or 4-inch vent, it takes much more ice to close off the vent pipe.
The plumbing vent pipes create a pathway to let air from outdoors back into the plumbing system when water is rushing down the drain pipes.

[@askthebuilder]

The TY fitting you see at the beginning of this video was specified by the homeowner. This NH town had NO plumbing inspections. An inspector would have FAILED the installation as we all know.

[@PaulWebb816]

Why would anyone specify this? What was their reasoning for doing it 'wrong'?

[@askthebuilder]

Simple. The homeowner felt that a snake would have a better chance of clearing a clog at the end of the branch arm if it was pointed down instead of drilling a hole into the side of the stack. It's a valid concern. The sink functions properly. Even when you fill it with water and pull the plug, the last slug of water doesn't syphon the trap.

[@PaulWebb816]

@@askthebuilder Thanks for the reply and the great video! Definitely understand the concern, I've had snakes try and go the wrong way in san-tees before.

[@matthieurichard9922]

This is perfect and just what I needed to help me out tremendously! I just started working as a plumbing apprentice for the union and I’m putting in vent and drain lines for new student residential housing, this has helped me to understand what I’m actually doing lol. I will continue to watch this over and over until it sticks. Where I am we cannot have the TY’s upside down so that was intro see also.

[@askthebuilder]

Thanks. I explained in the *description* that the customer FORCED ME to install the TY because he wanted the branch arm to be EASY to snake out. It was the vanity drain and his wife's hair in their CURRENT house constantly clogged the drain line. There was NO INSPECTION of any type in this New Hampshire town so that's the only reason you see it in the video. Any other town and the job would have had to have a regular tee or else it would have FAILED the inspection. Be aware that if you need riser diagrams drawn, I provide that service at my www.DrawPlumbingPlans.com website.

[@davidmark805]

I'm a plumber in Northern Canada. Our code is 3" complete through the roof and it doesn't get much colder than here. 3" doesn't choke off. A vent system allows air to flow both in and out and lets methane gas release out.

[@49Roadmaster]

Thanks, I was wondering about that as I only have 3" in Northern Ontario

[@grahamlacroix6298]

So what I'm understanding is there is no limit to the amount of bends in the vent pipe? I have a basement bathroom I'm moving the wall over to fit the vanity inside the bathroom and just figured I could install 2 45s on the vent pipe to move it over a couple feet with the wall. Should be fine?

[@ericx4124]

Thanks for the vid. I have venting that’s suspect in my bathroom. I will be reconfiguring it and connecting to the existing venting but in the correct configuration. I’m glad for the explanation regarding air supply and that the extra 20ft run to the vent header that I’m planning on won’t be an issue. Thanks again for the through explanation.

[@askthebuilder]

You're welcome. You can repay the knowledge you received by clicking the *Thanks* text link under the video and step up to support my channel.

[@askthebuilder]

Do you need plumbing help? I've been a master plumber since age 29. I even draw plumbing plans for your new home or remodel. Go here to set up a phone call: shop.askthebuilder.com/products/15-Minute-Phone-Conversation-with-Tim.html Go here if you need me to draw your isometric for your permit: shop.askthebuilder.com/draw-plumbing-plans/

[@sanchezvh]

Can you help me with a trap primer connection to a floor drain tnks

[@yourekillingme8112]

It's nice to see a real plumber does good work there's a lot of Yahoo's out there that don't know what they're doing and some are even plumbers.

[@askthebuilder]

Thanks for the kind words. There is a code violation in the job, but the owner INSISTED I put in the branch arm that way. Luckily for him there are no plumbing inspections in that NH town that would have prevented it. I warned him but I also knew that the branch arm was so long that the water would flatten out before it got to the 45 and not syphon the trap.

[@connorpriest9736]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@askthebuilder]

Thanks for watching. If you want to reciprocate, look below the video for the THANKS text link. Click it and see what you can do to return the favor.

[@seko6056]

very analytic explanation, nice video

[@askthebuilder]

Glad you liked it! KZbin allows you to show your gratitude with the *THANKS* text link under the video. Check it out!

[@askthebuilder]

Did my video above HELP you? How about clicking the text *THANKS* link under the video and help support this channel so I can make more videos for you.

[@bradsantos6849]

Great job buddy looks awesome!!

[@askthebuilder]

TNX as we say in Morse. You can help support the channel so I make more videos faster by clicking the THANKS text link under the video and flip something into the guitar case.

[@silas9296]

Very informative, thanks!

[@askthebuilder]

Consider clicking the *Thanks* text link under the video to help support the channel.

[@jeanfrancois7470]

Good Explanation thankyou God blessing you

[@askthebuilder]

You're welcome. If my video helped save you time and money, perhaps you can click the *THANKS* text link under the video and make a donation so I can make more videos faster.

[@franciscoroman9927]

Great video Great teacher and I bet a Great Contractor

[@askthebuilder]

TNX for your kind words.

[@roygumpel8415]

good teacher!

[@elmono3939]

Plumber telling you he would run 2" vent is not necessarily wrong. He actually knows what he is talking about. 2" plumbing vent handles 24 F.U ( fixture units ). So in your situation, it is perfectly OK, and up to Code, to combine all vents from all plumbing fixtures shown into one common 2" vent.

[@askthebuilder]

Glad you like my videos. If one or more helped save you time and $$$, check out the *THANKS* text link under all my videos.

[@elmono3939]

@@askthebuilder: Dude, you have 158K subscribers and 1.2M views on this video only. You are raking in pretty good cash from your KZbin content - plus you are a working builder, too. Why ask for more money? You are doing better than average ! Keep it going !

[@milo6373]

Time is money , 😸✌️🙏💪🤔

[@oaktree2741]

I thought about that too. Yeah there's not a problem running 3 inch just like 6 inch would probably work but 2 inch works perfectly fine. Cost sensitive too.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Very helpful. Many thanks.

[@askthebuilder]

Glad it was helpful! Consider supporting the channel by clicking the *Thanks* link under the video.

[@davidgevawer8920]

He was super cool thank you so much. You are the best best.

[@ezels9481]

Good video 👍

[@captinbeyond]

I have seen plumbing beneath kitchen and bathroom vanity sinks that have tee's in them and out of that t- fitting it appears to be a small vent which is really a check valve that can let air in but not let water out. Have you ever seen venting done locally like this? Is this done to help facilitate vent flow?

[@askthebuilder]

You're talking about AAVs. They're mechanical vents with *moving parts*. Because of this at some point the moving parts fail to move and you have sewer gas in the house. Watch my Loop Vent video or purchase my Sewer Gas Ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/

[@veronicapadovani4243]

Great explanation!! Im at the stage of rough plumbing soon

[@askthebuilder]

I draw riser diagrams so you get ALL of the pipe sizes correct. I also offer phone coaching. I'm working with two DIY homeowners right now who are installing all of the plumbing in their homes. It's the BEST $$$$$ you'll spend on the project. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@veronicapadovani4243]

@@askthebuilder I can drawer a rough skech of my 1,200 layout ,its small .see if you can get me a price on the spec layout fir me or plumber to do it the right way

[@askthebuilder]

Veronica, I'm happy to draw your riser diagram. Call me for details: 603-470-0508

[@davidgreen1914]

I have one more question if you don’t mind: There will be two washrooms one on the first floor and the second directly above. I want to have one vent through the roof. Do I connect the vents from the first floor fixtures a few feet above the fixtures or do these vents have to connect to the vertical vent above the second floor fixtures? Thanks again.

[@askthebuilder]

I've been a master plumber since 1981. Time for one of my phone consults: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/

[@ericneering6357]

Great plumbing video on the Internet I seen so far great job and if this is the way it’s done why didn’t somebody else explain it this week? Why did they have to make it so complicated?

[@askthebuilder]

It's not complicated. The vent system is just the drain system in reverse.

[@deborahfairbanks4012]

It's amazing how complex home building has become

[@askthebuilder]

Plumbers have been installing vent pipes like this for over 125 years. It's not complex, it's not new technology.

[@deborahfairbanks4012]

@@askthebuilder I had a feeling you'd say that!! 😉

[@vikingjiujitsu7645]

When your talking about the h fitting in the bathroom connecting the water closet and lav is the a 3x3 wye with a reducing coupling for the 2" lav brach?

[@askthebuilder]

It's a 3x3 wye under the floor. The toilet is wet-vented by the lav sink per the UPC.

[@Btu555]

Just wondering if you could divert the vent pipe out below either side of the ridge line of the roof instead of through the roof, I am thinking about zero penetration when I re-roof with metal roof but I read some where that vent needs to be 12" above the roof.

[@askthebuilder]

A local inspector may allow you to vent out a sidewall, but in all cases it needs to extend up above the bottom edge of the roof. The pipe coming out of the side of the house is going to look like hell. It's EASY to create leak-proof penetrations in most metal roofs. If your metal roof is a standing-seam one, I have a video showing exactly how to put in the flashing so you NEVER HAVE a leak. I also offer phone coaching: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/

[@michaelwilliams5327]

It is totally acceptable to vent out a sidewall instead of penetrating the roof. I’d check your local code, but my area allows it as long as you don’t terminate the vent under an overhang with a soffit vent. You only have to go 12” above the roof line when penetrating through the roof. And if you install something like solar panels that cover the vent pipe and protect it from snow and wind then it doesn’t even have to extend 12” from the roof.

[@kevinkelly1529]

Exactly. Solar roofing is making it much more common to get away from putting all of these hidious looking pipes and vents out through the roof. Pipes and vents sticking out through the roof look like hell to begin with, in my opinion. I just recently rerouted my air vents to the side of the house and utilized the vent at the peak of the roof and I am very happy with this setup and it works perfectly and looks much better. This allowed for a straight shot across the roof for solar shingles. Aesthetically, this is a tremendous Improvement.

[@realdeal905]

Hey i'm in plumbing school right now at the 4:56 mark you have used a wye fitting but at school the teacher said to use a sanitary tee for smoother water flow and better air flow......could you tell me why you used that fitting or if a tee would also be ok.....i also really enjoyed your video

[@askthebuilder]

Your plumbing teacher is RIGHT. What you failed to do is read the video description where I tell you WHY that wye is in place.

[@Reedith]

About putting the tees upside down ? Wouldn't you want to not do this in the event that water somehow backs up into a vent pipe or condensation now the water is stuck at that tee and can't drain out ? Air is air and flows better than water I would assume is there really a need for an upside down t to help the direction of air ?

[@askthebuilder]

I'm happy to explain all of this over the phone. Far too much to type. I've been a master plumber since 1981. Invest in your education: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/

[@DevinBird2753]

Thank you sir!!!

[@askthebuilder]

You're welcome. If you're *serious* about the thanks, please click the THANKS text link under the video and maybe buy me three scoops of ice cream.

[@monoralph1375]

Nice neat installation. Except, at 9:10 the studs were cut apart. Why, as the adjacent studs were drilled for your piping?

[@askthebuilder]

My guess is you've never tried to install that *length* of 1.5-inch pipe in four wall studs within 8 inches of one another. Those studs were unnecessary and provided no structural support. Architects and framers should only use the minimum amount of framing in exterior walls for a host of reasons. In cold NH where this job is located, you want maximum insulation, not wood studs that act as superhighways transferring heat from inside to outside in winter months.

[@golfsky]

Our 65 year old home has one vent that the toilets tie into but none of the 4 sinks or tub are vented at all!! We don't seem to have any issues but I'll keep this in mind if there are strange smells.

[@askthebuilder]

How do you know the other fixtures have no vents? Do you possess x-ray vision as does Superman allowing you to look inside walls and ceilings?

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

@@askthebuilder lol

[@MartyHuie]

Just so I asked the right question, as you stated there must be a slope all the way from the top of the vents there must be a slow from the top of the vent stack all the way to the drain. Am I able to group all the vent stacks in my home into one so I have one penetration through the roof is my real question, and likely I would like to penetrate the side wall not the roof so I have no penetrations through the roof, well I just got the answer below about going through the sidewall I will address it with the inspector where it would penetrate no one would ever see yes I know it would look odd Thank you very much for this hoping to do all my own plumbing in the new home I am building in climate zone six in North Carolina the area is actually climate zone five but that's for the whole county I'm at the top of a mountain and I know it is totally different up there so I'm raising the climate zone location. Understanding all this is great.

[@askthebuilder]

Marty, if your inspector allows a side-wall termination, that works. But what most discover is rain collects on the horizontal pipe, runs back towards the house, and LEAKS in when the caulk around the pipe fails AS IT ALWAYS DOES. I'VE NEVER IN 50 YEARS HAD A LEAK WITH A PLUMBING VENT THROUGH A ROOF. Watch my video about how to install one so it NEVER LEAKS. What's more, you may need me to draw your plumbing isometric plan. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/draw-plumbing-plans/

[@MartyHuie]

@@askthebuilder going through the roof :-) I totally get it coming back into the building. I'm designing building and ICF home insulated concrete form and the roof is also going to be concrete with metal roof on top of that just was trying to eliminate any penetrations through the roof I do have one and that is the wood stove chimney. Contact here, and yes I will look at your links and yes likely will want to draw the isometric

[@diannehernandez1450]

Excellent!

[@askthebuilder]

Many thanks! You can help support the channel by clicking the text *THANKS* link under the video.

[@thisplaceisazoo]

Curious why you ran the vent pipe 60' horizontal instead of just putting in a second roof vent exit down at the other end.

[@askthebuilder]

I answered that in a previous comment. The homeowner only wanted ONE roof penetration.

[@alec1113]

Hello , could you use an air admittance valve on a kitchen island that has a sink and has no other way of venting , or would you have a different suggestion .

[@askthebuilder]

You can do whatever you want. I'd never use an AAV. They always fail. They have moving parts. Go watch my loop vent video. or just go here to discover exactly how to do it and WHY it works: shop.askthebuilder.com/how-to-make-a-plumbing-loop-vent/

[@FarmtheSunUSA]

When moving an existing vent pipe from one side roof to the other side, which is needed for a solar panel install, what's your advice?

[@askthebuilder]

Simple. Move it. If you need step-by-step instructions to ensure it works PERFECTLY, you can get me on the phone. I'll save you at least $500. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@jeffreyedelson6124]

Have always wondered about rain water. Does it enter the roof vent and drain into the plumbing below?

[@askthebuilder]

Please watch the video once more - just the first five minutes. Then engage your God-given critical-thinking skills and let us know what you think. This will be a great exercise for you. After you do that, read this true story that happened to ME 52 years ago: www.askthebuilder.com/ken-caster-historical-geology-professor/

[@racerx1250]

Do you leave the stub part that comes out of the wall unglued until the drywall gets installed or do you glue it and then trim the stub later when the vanity sink p-trap is being installed to the vanity sink? Do you prefer to glue the p-trap or use a compression fitting so that the p-trap can be replaced more easily? I'm working on a bathroom in a 47 year old single story house. I replaced the 1-1/2 vent pipe cause i had to rebuild the framing on a load bearing wall. I'm also wondering if i should upgrade the drain to a 2-inch drain instead of using the 1-1/2 drain for the vanity. The bathroom has a 1-1/2 vent pipe for the vanity and a 2-inch vent pipe for the toilet and a 2-inch vent pipe for a tub/shower.

[@askthebuilder]

You can do whatever you want. If you need help over the phone, I offer that service. I've been a master plumber since 1981.

[@IAmJFair]

@@askthebuilder How much for help over the phone?

[@yestochrist4391]

How many feet can the fixtures (tub, vanity, and toilet) br from the vent pipe? Is it a straight line or pipe line distance?

[@askthebuilder]

Usually no more than 3 feet. There are exceptions in the code. It's online. Go read about it.

[@deadliftD]

Why is the toilet flange installed directly onto the subfloor? Or is it actually just dry fitted in the video so it can later be installed on top of the finished floor?

[@askthebuilder]

It's just dry fitted. It was there to line up the sweep-90 below. The toilet flange MUST sit on top of the finished flooring.

[@garypayne3940]

Is it is acceptable to have air come down a vent and out of tub drain? And if so could this displace water in a p-trap below the tub drain?

[@askthebuilder]

Air is supposed to come down vent pipes to the drain lines. If the plumbing system is not installed correctly and you have syphoning of water from the tub drain, that's NOT okay. Sounds like you should get on the phone with me: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@imsecond]

Excellent 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MJ-cb5mk]

Why isn’t there a simple access port in the attic for the 4” main vent? I live in WI and my vent had some frost closure. Toilets gurgled multiple nights during a deep freeze over a few days and lost my trap water in them and house smelled like sewer gas in morning. Had to get on roof and open it up. Was thinking a simple 4” tee in the attic with a 2” fitting in it you can unscrew and inspect in the attic would be perfect. Would avoid getting on roof in winter to inspect from above. Or was thinking a drone w/ a camera would also be safer for inspection.

[@askthebuilder]

Why not just insulate the exposed vent pipe with 4 inches of foam? We did that with this vent after the video was shot so that the pipe stays warm and the only hoarfrost may happen on the section sticking above the roof. If you want to put a test tee in the attic, go for it.

[@denyseanderson5]

Do you know if a candy cane (goose neck) is okay to install on the vent stack if you live in a cold climate like upper New York or Vermont? I'm getting conflicting answers, one plumber said that it might freeze up...another plumber said that they all kind of freeze up, another plumber said that it will stop the flow of my toilets and sinks. Thank you!

[@askthebuilder]

You can do it. The pipe and bends MUST BE 4-inches to prevent hoarfrost from choking off the flow of air. Just do what I did in the video.

[@davidgreen1914]

What is the maximum horizontal distance allowed between a fixture and its vertical portion (going through roof)?

[@askthebuilder]

Check the code in your area. You might be able to get away with 42 inches.

[@davidgreen1914]

Thanks

[@mccarseat]

@@askthebuilder I’m confused, how is the 50 to 60’ horizontal section ok then that branches off from the 3” section you show? Sorry I’ve been sifting through vent code and just when I think I get it, I see an example that’s to code but I can’t seem to make sense of haha

[@dqm9991]

@@mccarseat I think the 42” distance is from the vanity or shower drain before the vent ties in. I don’t know if there is a regulation for horizontal pipe up in the attic.

[@mx-lj4qq]

You are a legend sir

[@askthebuilder]

Thanks. I don't feel legendary. I feel pretty ordinary. In my entire career only three people out in public have recognized me.

[@mx-lj4qq]

@@askthebuilder I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge 🤝

[@coltontaylor7819]

Up in the attic. I don’t believe you can have two horizontal pipes connected to a Santee. You have to use a y/combo. Right?

[@askthebuilder]

WRONG. Sanitary tees upside down in VENT LINES are code-approved in the USA. As I say in the video, just make sure the horizontal vent lines have slope so the condensate drains to the vertical stacks.

[@tonybruno9897]

Normal fittings on vents are fine as long as it's 6 inches ABOVE the flood rim of that particular fixture. In the attic it's obvious that its above every fixture in the house

[@3rett115]

@ 4:28 you use a 45 wye. I saw another video that said you should use a wye tee for these connections because the 45 wye can cause flow that will block the vent air and actually siphon water out of the p trap. Have you heard of this. The guy I watched said this wouldn't pass inspection, but he is in Canada. Thoughts?

[@3rett115]

OK, I see @8:13 you're using the tee for the kitchen sink. Curious as to why you're using two different wyes.

[@askthebuilder]

I answer your question in the video description. Read it please. In real practice, the length of the branch arm extending from the stack to the 90-bend that exits the wall will often prevent syphoning. The longer the arm, the less chance of syphoning. If the small vanity sink basin was filled entirely with water and you pull the plug, the 1 and 1/4-inch tailpiece constricts the water flow to a point that only a small part of the branch arm *might* fill completely with water. By the time the water slug gets to the 45-degree bend, it's flattened out with air above it. Once again, I didn't want to install it this way, but the customer DEMANDED it. Now, if this branch arm was serving a kitchen sink or a large utility sink that could hold 10 or 15 gallons of water and had a 1 and 1/2-inch tailpiece, all bets are off. I WARNED this homeowner that if they filled the sink with water AND there was no drain stopper in the tailpiece that would further restrict the flow, they MIGHT hear a shlurpping sound of syphoning and would have to run water for about three seconds after the sink drained. I've since asked them after they moved in and they've NEVER heard any syphoning sound. That means the branch arm is plenty long.

[@askthebuilder]

Once again, read the entire video description.

[@3rett115]

@@askthebuilder Got it, thanks! Ever since YT started hiding the video description, I rarely read them. Sorry about that.

[@alandumitrescu6597]

Is there a fix for the high wind syphoning the p trap? I've noticed it for a while in fall through winter and early spring months when wind are higher and the leaves are off the trees. Thanks

[@askthebuilder]

High winds don't syphon p-traps that are installed with a proper vent. P-traps do DRY OUT if you don't add water to them once a month.

[@alandumitrescu6597]

@@askthebuilder every day I use all of it. It's really only the bathtub and it is pretty much when the trees can't obstruct the wind. There are also other videos showing yes wind can siphon them. I only have one bathroom. Several people use the shower every day. No leaks in the basement. Outside of trap is bone dry. House was built in 1890. Plumbing was updated in the 80s by a previous owner.

[@wenzdayjane]

how do you keep cold air from coming up through a shower or sink drain?

[@askthebuilder]

The water in the trap would stop this. If you don't have a trap, you've got *BIGGER* problems than cold air.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

Did the homeowner also designate where they wanted the roof penetration? Odd to have it all the way at one end of the roof, instead of centralized for shorter run to the extremities.

[@askthebuilder]

Yes. They wanted the plumbing vent on a side roof not visible when you pull up the drive or walk to the front door. Some people don't like to see the plumbing vents poking out of roofs.

[@timlovett2673]

Why doesn't the vent pipe penetrate the roof next to the ridge? Easier to flash since no water running down off the roof - plus higher so less smell.

[@timlovett2673]

Just answered my own question. Must be away from ridge due to ridge venting needing to be separated from smelly, possibly explosive vent gases. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aInLgJ6wgKuUn5o

[@askthebuilder]

Tim, I don't believe you have an understanding of how flashings work. I suggest you watch this video of mine and then you'll see it makes little difference how much water flows down the roof across it: www.askthebuilder.com/plumbing-vent-flashing-video/

[@alsemi-back-up579]

Very Interesting! thanks for the Upload!

[@askthebuilder]

If you're really *serious* about thanking me, click the THANKS text link and do the right thing.

[@CarlosReyes-jl8zh]

Can a vent pipe be repaired ?, i had a person put a exhaust fan in my bathroom and made a hole on my vent pipe to put the exhaust duck in there instead of going through the roof , i was really upset that he did that ....

[@askthebuilder]

Yes, you can repair a vent pipe. I offer phone coaching. A simple 15-minute call may be all you need. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/

[@n.d.4192]

This is a great, informative video but I wish we could have gotten a look at a toilet vent.

[@askthebuilder]

The 3-inch pipe coming up from the floor in the first minutes of the video is the vent for the toilet. There's a wye fitting under the subfloor.

[@charlesdavis7147]

What is the minimum and maximum slope allowed for vent piping

[@askthebuilder]

1% and 90%

[@airsosobledsoe3908]

Can you post a video of "breaking a vent " ?? Thank you

[@askthebuilder]

Can you tell me what you mean by breaking a vent? Why do you need this video?

[@YS-gg2dg]

My pvc vent pipes are sweating. Leaked through and now have ceiling damage in a room. Do you have any advice to prevent this?

[@askthebuilder]

Yes I can help you. It requires a phone conversation for a host of reasons: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@fpchauvette9664]

Thanks for establishing equilibrium, and it cannot be said that a vent pipe isn't used for venting air from the system that can otherwise back up without being released. Just try to get a bathroom system inspected and passed without a vent pipe. Frozen pipes happen due to improper insulation, not the vent pipe. The reference, alone suggests the pipe is for venting.. a reference used for releasing air. Otherwise, the vent pipe would be called "air intake". If you're searching for a way to create the effect of the world smelling like one huge sulfur field, (and there are already enough of those around) just wait until those organic gasses build up and cause an explosion. The earth already accommodates such activity in natural vents called Volcanoes and hot springs. We don't need any more created in plumbing systems. 😎

[@askthebuilder]

I hate to say this, but you have no clue what you're talking about. Were you absent that day in high school physics when hydraulics and the Venturi effect was discussed? Normally I would delete a comment like yours so other people don't get harmed. But your comment displays such bad advice I've decided to leave it up with my rebuttal to show people they need to be damned careful about what they read on the Interweb.

[@retiredperson4054]

Hello -- for a new home build with a basement living area with bathroom and a snack area with a bar sink, and having a poured concrete floor, we would like to have an integral 2" floor drain trap with a back up device at the lowest point in a recessed mechanical room. In searching for information about venting this drain, we believe that it will not need to be vented to a vertical stack as it is 2" piping, and thus has enough free air space to not require a direct vent? Are we interpreting our findings correctly? Secondly, should we be concerned about the floor drain "drying" out and allowing sewer gas and odors to come from the septic tank? Thanks in advance for the answer.

[@askthebuilder]

I do phone consulting for situations like this. I'm an expert in the topic. Go here to set up the call: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@retiredperson4054]

Thanks but.... I can find all the information (for free) by doing research and save my money! @@askthebuilder

[@askthebuilder]

I wish you the best of luck. The Interweb is littered with lots of false information. Quick question: Do you use the Internet to get free medical or legal advice? I'm a professional just as they are.

[@dp9324]

Is there a reason that the 4" part of that intake pipe through the roof isn't lined with heat tape and permanently provided power so that their is not a chance of that pipe freezing in cold climates?!

[@askthebuilder]

Fantastic question! Google this: heat tape fire danger Second, engage your critical-thinking skills and ponder the tens of thousands of New England houses that have cast-iron 4-inch vent stacks installed and in service for over 140 years. Do you think if they froze up constantly that the plumbers would continue to install them since the 1880s?

[@erlinavicente7411]

When do you decide if a 90 or 45 is used?

[@askthebuilder]

Easy. It's all about air vs water. I could type for quite some time. If you're willing to invest in some education, I can teach you all about when you use what. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/

[@denyseanderson5]

Hi, just wondering if it's okay to put a goose neck on top of the vent stack on the roof so to protect animals, debris and rain from coming into the vent?

[@askthebuilder]

There's nothing wrong with a candy cane on top of a vent pipe. At the last house I built for my family, huge trees showered the roof with seed pods, tiny twigs, blossoms in the spring, etc. So once a year I got up on the roof with a garden hose and stuck it in the vertical pipe and let water run for 5 minutes to flush out the vent pipe. It was easy to get up on that roof and it was relatively low-slope and safe. Not all vent pipes are easy to service like mine.

[@denyseanderson5]

@@askthebuilder Thank you so much for replying! I will have one installed.

[@denyseanderson5]

@@askthebuilder Actually, I forgot to mention that I live in upper NewYork...do you think that is a problem for a candy can on top of a vent pipe?

[@CopeBUILT]

They also make things called mushroom caps

[@sadsciuidae3425]

13:30 Must allow drainage for condensation & RAIN... yay!!! ... though i would typically not see a 50 ft run just a second roof penetration, Ive not used 1-1/2 for anything in the last ten years ... .

[@askthebuilder]

The homeowner INSISTED on just one roof penetration. I agree, a second vent pipe should have been put in although it would have ended up just above the front door. :-(

[@MrStatic101]

I find your video on a website about venting and how to do it. Website says that under no condition should a 90 be used and it has your video there to show you how to do it. I watch your video and there’s 90’s everywhere! So I’m assuming 90’s are ok???

[@askthebuilder]

90s are perfectly legal in venting systems and even in drainage pipes. Remember, vent pipes just move air, not liquids and solids. Never use a 90 in a buried slab to change direction horizontally. Use 45-degree fittings to change directions in slabs and crawlspaces for DRAINAGE lines. You can use a sweep, or long-radius, 90 at the base of a stack under a slab.

[@MrStatic101]

@@askthebuilder thank you so much for the info. This is gonna help me a lot! I was like “no 90’s that can’t be right?!”

[@mcparody666]

Are you allowed to vent out a wall, or does it have to go out of the roof? I'm building myself.

[@askthebuilder]

It's not a good idea to vent plumbing through a wall.

[@mcparody666]

@askthebuilder why is that? I was always told the fewer roof penetrations, the better.

[@charlesrodriguez7984]

@@askthebuilderbut I think I’ve seen it before somewhere.

[@user-sv4ev5qg1u]

No strapping?

[@askthebuilder]

No. Why is it needed??? A huge waste of time and lumber. Do you put strapping on walls? Why not??????? Does the USG Gypsum Construction Handbook require strapping?

[@jtoker9758]

Why didn't you use a sanitary tee at 4:52?

[@askthebuilder]

Because the homeowner INSISTED on using the TY fitting. I informed him it was against code creating an illegal S trap. The town the house was built in has NO inspections of any type. No building inspection, no electrical inspection, no PLUMBING inspection so I knew I'd not have to cut out the fitting. As of this date all these years later, the trap has NEVER been suctioned dry by the adjacent toilet. Also, filling up the sink to the brim and pulling the stopper doesn't create enough siphoning action to suck the trap dry. You should experiment with this by building your own crude setup. It's all about how high the S trap is and how much water is flowing out of the vessel.

[@jtoker9758]

@@askthebuilder Now there is more questions. lol Why did the homeowner insist on using the wye? I gotta hear why they know better than the plumbing code.

[@askthebuilder]

1. It was *HIS* house - the UPC code officials were not making the mortgage payments. He felt that the down angle of the wye would prevent hair, cosmetic goo, toothpaste, etc. from hanging up on the lip of the sanitary tee. 2. Don't always assume the code is correct. Example: I once piped a bathroom with 1/2-inch-diameter PVC tubing temporarily to see if that small pipe would admit enough air when all fixtures drained at once. It worked perfectly. Many forget that the air pressure at or near sea level is 14.2 PSI. Have you ever seen a rubber test plug shoot across the room from a sanitary 1.5-inch tee at just 5 PSI? I have. Yes, I understand they want bigger vent pipes to prevent long-term clogs, etc.

[@willcamp6319]

Can you oversize your vents

[@askthebuilder]

Yes you can. It's a waste of material. I once did an experiment and vented an entire bathroom with 1/2-inch copper tubing. It worked perfectly draining all the fixtures at once with no syphoning. Many forget what the PSI is of the air surrounding us. It's 14.1 pounds per square inch pushing down the vent pipes for goodness sake. This is why a *tiny pinprick hole* is all you need on a large plastic water jug to allow water to flow out the spigot unrestricted.

[@Benmartin2113]

How do i reach Tim ?

[@askthebuilder]

Simple. Go here and select one of the consult calls: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/

[@juansanchez-kg2to]

Why not having more than 1 vent pipe exiting the roof?

[@askthebuilder]

Because the owner of the house only wanted one. Putting in two more would have been the smart thing to do. One at the kitchen and one by that bathroom near the garage. But I couldn't talk him into it.

[@greenis3006]

Isn't the pipe for the master vanity wrong? Shouldn't it be a tee not a y and 45 now a days?

[@askthebuilder]

Yes, it's a shallow S-trap. I explained WHY it's wrong in the video description. It should have been a tee, but the homeowner insisted on the wye.

[@k6gsxr1000]

Can I vent out my soffit?

[@askthebuilder]

Poorly formed question but I'll answer it. You can do ANYTHING you want. You might have asked: Is it a good idea to put a plumbing vent out through a soffit? HELL NO! Go watch my Plumbing Vent Pipe Flashing video where I show how to install the BEST flashing known to man or woman - one that will never leak.

[@bobcarlsson4]

Plumbing wet pipe in an exterior wall?

[@askthebuilder]

What? Installing DWV pipes in exterior walls is common. What is your concern? What is the practice where you live. Where do you live?

[@gatewaysolo104]

Where else does one install a kitchen sink? The middle of the kitchen?

[@stephanelirette2761]

It would seem to me that when you pull the drain plug that the (replacement air) would come from the drain itself, not needing a vent pipe for every water fixtures (sinks, showers, washing machine). They are not like toilets where water fills up right away blocking air to follow the waste, therefore a vent pipe makes sense to me, and it allows the bad smell to evacuate outside. But sinks, showers etc.. don't have that issue. Air would be replaced through the drain itself

[@askthebuilder]

You would think wrong... The trap always has water in it. If it doesn't, then the fixture is not vented properly.

[@bobbyosborne2375]

Didn't see a vent for the toilet. If you're using that 3" in that 2"×6" wall as your water closet vent, you've already failed inspection in Kentucky. You've got a wet vent, and a flat vent. Niether will pass inspection here. Each fixture needs an individual vent that needs to be washed. I keep seeing these damn videos posted all over youtube giving irrelevant info to people in my state. These how too's and explanation videos can get spmeone in real trouble here in Kentucky. We're strict here. Depending in the severity of the infraction you could get fined $500.00 or face 1-5 years in jail. Call a plumber in my state if you need a house roughed in. Don't attempt it yourself. Our code can be complicated, but it's that way for a REASON.

[@askthebuilder]

The UPC has had that wet vent setup for years. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it from a best practices standpoint. Have you ever questioned WHY in KY it's not allowed? Can those who disallow it give you examples of how the toilet won't function (it does perfectly) or that it can't get enough air if the vanity bowl full of water is draining (the toilet gets plenty of air because the 1.5-inch pipe can't possibly fill the short vertical 3-inch stack with water)? In other words, have you engaged your God-given critical-thinking skills to CHALLENGE what is being enforced? You should because there are hundreds of THOUSANDS of these wet vents all over the USA that work perfectly fine. And share with us how your DRY vents in KY get washed. Anything above a sanitary tee is a vent and it's dry except for condensation. Everything BELOW a sanitary tee is a stack, not a vent. We await your answers. Better yet, use your KZbin channel for its intended purpose. Record a video showing us all the KY craziness and back it up with science not speculation. Once you upload the video to your channel, come back and share the URL here.

[@reno5948]

Too convoluted. I’m sure it could have had a simpler layout.

[@askthebuilder]

The primary collector vent line runs down the center of the house and all the individual vents connect to it. How much simpler could it get? This is a great opportunity for you to use your channel. Why not create a video of your own showing how to simplify the layout. Upload it and then come back here and paste in the URL to your video so we can see the fruits of your labor.

[@tiny5500]

Maine, our plumber had 3" all the way out the roof. Hoping it won't freeze? Our attic is vented so climate is same as outside. 🫣

[@askthebuilder]

This is a great example of what happens to 99.9% of the population. They don't do their research *before* the job happens. As Queen Cersei says to Lord Stark in Game of Thrones, "Such a sad mistake."

[@rubeninfo4883]

U crazy man but thank you I appreciate it time ur video is good and approved by Mrr905

[@askthebuilder]

I am beholden to Mrr905...I guess... :-O

[@StoneysWorkshop]

I never thought about it this way. I should have. I work with water vac (ejector) systems for chambers to create negative pressures for sterilization. Thanks for opening my mind to this for a more complete understanding of plumbing systems

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@moorelandhouse]

Wow! Thanks for the useful information. I was able to use it when I did the plumbing on my brother's bathroom. I put up a DIY video and felt confident that I had it right thanks to your video.

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@bobburchett8517]

This is an awesome video that explains the venting in a very easy to understand way. Thank you so much for this video. You are a very good instructor and I am so happy I found this video.

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@callmedee123]

Excellent video. Rarely do I subscribe based off one video... this one nailed it.

[@askthebuilder]

Thanks very much! You should be here with me now in Bar Harbor as I install all the vent lines this coming week in my daughter's new home! I'll be creating a few short videos to explain fine points of venting. Watch for those videos soo.

[@lukeedwards1472]

this is awsome it realy taught me alot . thank you tim

[@askthebuilder]

+Luke Edwards You're welcome Luke! There's a science to venting plumbing. Remember pipe sizes are critical and they always need to SLOPE so water doesn't collect in them.

[@Dave-cn5sg]

Thanks for a very helpful video, Tim. In our older home renovation, the plumber installed 2 AAV's where vents would have been difficult. Both valves give off a sewer gas smell. Is this normal or should I look for a better AAV?

[@askthebuilder]

+Dave Clark It is NOT NORMAL. This is why I refuse to use AAVs unless it's absolutely necessary. I try to design plumbing fixture placement so you NEVER have to have AAVs. As you can already tell, they're nothing but TROUBLE because they have moving parts.

[@gristlevonraben]

I really did find that very interesting. cool video !

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@CheekyMonkey888]

Good presentation Tim What would you think of having separate 4" stacks near each cluster of plumbing fixtures, making sure no branch exceeds 4'? More $ for bigger pipes, but less $ to install

[@askthebuilder]

+CheekyMonkey888 It's not required. Waste of money. Plumbers decades ago recognized the importance of putting in at least ONE full-sized vent. You don't need one for each group of fixtures. I've had to install special pressure-relief full-sized vents in apartment buildings where bathrooms are stacked on top of one another, but that's different than a house.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

Ask the Builder Thank you, I have seen both kinds of installations done, in identical triplexs, at the same time, by the same plumber, and the multiple 4" stack approach came in at triple the material cost but one third of the plumbing time cost. Plumber's time is usually more expensive then the materials, but I agree that for a single storey single family home, or a two storey home where the fixtures are not grouped, your way is best.

[@askthebuilder]

+The irregular You Fkd Over But Will Never Own (Please do eat your pork.) Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpfPmniKdruHm6s The 4-inch pipe goes through the roof and extends up 42 inches and stops. That way it will never get covered with deep snow.

[@josephskeans7579]

Thank you.

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@paulgille9816]

very helpful, thank you. You mentioned the main bathroom toilet connects in the basement, under the "A" of the subfloor where you drew the lines- does that toilet have it's own vent or is the 3" connection the vent? Also, please explain why the vanity vent branch arm is a 45 while the kitchen sink is a 90 degree T. Thank you.

[@askthebuilder]

The 3-inch full-size vent is the vent for the toilet. You can wet-vent the toilet with the vanity branch arm so long as the stack/vent coming from the 3-inch wye under the floor remains 3 inches until the 3 x 1 1/2 tee. The wye you see for the vanity branch arm is *AGAINST CODE. It creates a shallow illegal S trap. The homeowner INSISTED I install it* there to facilitate future snaking. It's common for most vanity branch arms to get clogged with gunk from women's makeup. Rookies using a snake can drill through the side of the tee. The wye connection to the stack is no different than common wyes used in vertical stacks all over the system. In the basement there's a clean out just below the kitchen tee. If there's a future clog at the tee, it can be attacked easier from below rather than go through the branch arm above.

[@paulgille9816]

Thank you for you quick and helpful reply.

[@you3ee]

Do basement bathrooms need to be vented also?

[@askthebuilder]

All plumbing drain pipes need to be vented.

[@ericjv36]

I’m hoping to move my laundry room into my basement actually right next to my drain stack. The problem is that I’ve been unable to locate my vent pipes except for very near to where it ties in to the main drain stack. Two questions: 1.) Is there a limit to how close to that vent/drain intersection I can tie into? Is there increased risk of getting drainage into my vent line? 2.) Can I tie my drain line into my main drain stack right above the basement floor? There is a clean out right above where that intersection would go in.

[@askthebuilder]

Eric, I've been a master plumber since age 29. I discuss these complex issues and what dangers you face should you make a MISTAKE on the phone. The call is FREE if you're not pleased with my advice. Here's how to make it happen: shop.askthebuilder.com/products/15-Minute-Phone-Conversation-with-Tim.html

[@eschrader]

8:30 they really notched the crap out of those window cripples

[@askthebuilder]

Yes we did. There is simply too much framing going on in this tight space and it's overbuilt. The added lumber reduces the amount of insulation in the wall.

[@davewyler1417]

Maybe not permissible by code in your area, but curious, wouldn't it of been much easier just to do a combination waste/vent at the kitchen sink? By the way, great job, always enjoy looking at others work. It's like art! Too bad great work is always covered up. Lol

[@warriorforestmonk]

Are all the vent pipes tied into that 4" vent going to the exterior or are there multiple exterior vents?

[@askthebuilder]

All the vents for each fixture tied back into that 4-inch vent. If you want to save on pipe, you can have multiple vent stacks pop out through the roof. This owner only wanted one vent through the roof.

[@markrichards3363]

this was good very good

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@DJJimCowley]

syphonic action is what will happen with no vent. good vid lad.

[@askthebuilder]

Since I helped you, why not treat me to a mocha-chip ice cream cone? shop.askthebuilder.com/tims-tip-jar/

[@ziopinosoapspino6456]

Does Code limit the amount of total bends in the vent pipe?

[@cliffordwdagreen6916]

ZioPinoSoaps Pino yes

[@askthebuilder]

cliffordwda green - Can you call out the section of the IPC where it says this? Here's a copy of the 2015 code: codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/550/9795976

[@callmedee123]

For venting specifically not. The 2015 IRC limits the maximum distance of fixture trap from vents and fixture unit loads on vent sizes. For sump vents there are some distance limitations based on vent size but as far as elbows are concerned no nothing nothing for venting. Keep in mind air flows better than water and limitations on bends, elbows, etc is for the purpose of maintaining water pressure.

[@59seank]

Do you think Air Admittance Valves will ever replace all that PVC and poking holes in the roof?

[@askthebuilder]

+59seank Hah! I've been waiting in the weeds for this comment. It's a GREAT question. I believe some will take the shortcut and go down the crooked pathway of AAVs. Here's what I don't like about them. They're mechanical. They have moving parts. They will ALL FAIL at some point. When that happens, can you count on the homeowner to recognize the problem? Vents like you see in this video will never fail. What's more, when you put in a full-size 3-inch or larger vent like you see in this video, you can easily flush it out if you want. A tennis ball will pass down it with ease, and Mother Nature's physics will work flawlessly for all time. Plumbers using the *best* practices like this have done venting with no issues since the late 1800's. This methodology is time tested and you never have to worry about it. Proceed down the AAV pathway at your own risk. As for poking holes in roofs, if you do it right and use the RIGHT flashing, you'll never have a leak. WATCH this video to see how it's done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpfPmniKdruHm6s

[@59seank]

+Ask the Builder Have you ever had to flush out a roof vent? What typically blocks a plumbing roof vent? What are the symptoms of a blocked vent? Is there a more attractive alternative to the ubiquitous white PVC pipe sticking through the roof?

[@askthebuilder]

+59seank Yes. I've flushed out large 4-inch CAST IRON vents in older homes that had 90-degree bends in them just as you see in this video. The blockages were caused by decades of rust scale that dropped down from the sides of the cast iron. Water sucked from fixture traps. Paint the pipe. That's what I did at my home and on many jobs and you barely notice them. Work with a CREATIVE plumber like me and put the vent pipes on parts of the roof not readily visible from the street or other parts of the lot. That's where most builders and plumbers fall down. They take the easy way out. Good luck on your projects. I'll not be able to answer any more of your questions because I have so much to do.

[@59seank]

+Ask the Builder Thanks for responding.

[@knucklestheechidna6436]

for some reason. I find house frames with floating pvc pipes awesome

[@johnz6241]

why do they look so cool ? lol it must be because Super Mario he loves to travel in those.

[@askthebuilder]

I heard that music coming out from the pipes one day and wondered what it was! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIXEZ4uYr8ukZ7c

[@juniorsworld3771]

Why run that much piping why just not put a second vent in

[@duer0052]

There are pros and cons. The pro is less piping. The big con of a second vent is there is another hole in your roof that you need to make sure there is proper flashing around. Considering how cheap PVC is, and how many leaky roofs I have to deal with, I know which option I would choose.

[@askthebuilder]

Another KZbinr talked about minimizing roof leaks. It's not an issue at all if you put in the RIGHT flashing and install it correctly. The crappy Oatey ones fail. WATCH this video of mine to see the BEST plumbing vent flashing out there and how EASY it is to weave it into the shingles for NO LEAKS EVER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpfPmniKdruHm6s

[@juniorsworld3771]

Thanks

[@juniorsworld3771]

Im not a license plumber but I do enough to know something's on it and I live in mass where the codes change alot on things daily lol

[@juniorsworld3771]

And thank you for the tips