All plumbing fixtures—including washing machines—must be vented. Improperly vented drains can be sluggish and noisy, and can emit hazardous fumes. Properly vented drains allow the P-trap to do its job: prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home.
How should a washing machine drain be vented?
The best way to vent a washing machine drain pipe is to run it into an existing plumbing vent stack. If this is not possible, you can install a separate vent stack. Either way, it’s important to ensure that the vent stack is properly sized and installed to prevent future problems.
What is the code for washing machine drain pipe?
According to the Universal Plumbing Code, the standard drain size for a washing machine is 2 inches. The absolute minimum should be about 1 1/2 inches. However, keep in mind that wash load capacities can vary by up to 400% or more depending on the model.
How high does a washer drain vent need to be?
In order for the drain hose on your Top Load washer to function properly, the drain must be at least 30″ up from the floor and less than 8 feet high. In order for the drain hose on your Front Load washer to function properly, the drain must be at least 24″ up from the floor and less than 8 feet high.
Does a washing machine drain line need to be vented? – Related Questions
Is air gap required for washing machine drain?
It is important to have a sizable air gap between the end of the drain hose, and the bottom of the sink. An air gap prevents backwater from ever getting sicked back into your washing machine.
Can a washer and sink share a vent pipe?
If you’re joining a washing machine and kitchen sink on the same drain, you may be able to vent them both with a single vent if they are close enough together. If not, you can connect their separate vents before they tie into the main vent stack.
Does a washing machine drain need to be elevated?
Elevating A Washing Machine Drain Hose
To be safe, you should always raise the drain hose above the level of the washing machine. This will keep any siphoning to a minimum. You may also take other measures to make sure you receive the best drainage possible.
How tall should laundry drain pipe be?
Laundry standpipes must be tall enough to extend past the washing machine’s overflow line—typically 30-36” in height, or 18”-30” above the trap. P-trap. P-traps prevent hazardous and potentially flammable sewer gases from entering your home.
Where should a drain vent be located?
It can attach directly behind the fixture or to the horizontal drain line. If two fixtures are on opposite sides of a wall, they can tie into the stack with a sanitary cross. This is called a common vent and can be found on back-to-back sinks.
How far can a drain line run without a vent?
For pipes that have a diameter of 3 inches the distance is 6 feet and for a 4-inch pipe the most it should be away from the vent is 10 feet. Keep in mind that toilets have their own traps so there is no need to have one on the drain line, but it still must have a vent.
What happens if a drain doesn’t have a vent?
Without a vent to allow pressure to escape from the plumbing system, harmful sewer gases can build up and make it difficult for water to move through the pipes efficiently. A clogged plumbing vent creates problems not because it doesn’t allow air in, but because it won’t let it out.
What happens if a drain is not vented?
Poorly-vented drain lines will not be able to effectively move wastewater and solid waste out of your building. This could lead to problems such as overflowing drains, backed-up toilets, and similar plumbing issues.
Does a plumbing vent have to go through the roof?
Plumbing roof vents are necessary because they create an air passageway that safely carries odors out of the house.
What is code for plumbing vents?
A connection between a vent pipe and a vent stack or stack vent shall be made not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the highest fixture served by the vent. Horizontal vent pipes forming branch vents shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the highest fixture served.
How far can a plumbing vent run horizontal?
If you have 1- 1/4-inch pipe, the horizontal distance of the vent ought to not be more than 30 inches. For a 1- 1/2-inc pipe the vent must be 42 inches away at the most while a 2-inch pipeline must have an optimum distance of 5 feet.
How many elbows can a plumbing vent have?
With the appliances used today, the use of an excessive number of elbows can cause condensation problems. Try to limit the installation to no more than two 90 offsets and to use offsets of no more than 45 wherever possible.
Can a shower sink and toilet share the same vent?
In short, it is possible to connect the toilet drainage line and the shower drainage line, as long as they both have separate waste trap arms. However, do note that combining them may also lead to blockages, which can cause smells to come from certain drains.