In the sanitary world, facing clogging and draining issues are the most common and frustrating situations.
Being in these situations gets overwhelming, especially when the shower space has sewer problems.
This is becoming a regular thing in many people’s lives. Accordingly, some say that installing vents in the shower drain is a good idea; which is intriguing!
What are the steps to venting a shower drain?
To start off you’ll need tools like two-way pipes, hoses, etc. For the steps, firstly, you have to locate the existing drain pipes. Next, you have to remove corner pipes and install two-way pipes to separate the water line. Finally, connect the hoses to the pipe and enjoy the venting!
Consider this information as a teaser of the article. The article needs to be read till the end to get the full idea.
Start here!
What Does Venting Mean
I will help you clear up the basics of venting. Venting is a way to get rid of liquid, gassy substances. A few plumbing pipes go through the roof that allows these substances to escape your house.
There are options for venting gas furnaces, showers, fireplaces, etc. Yet, shower venting is the most advantageous one of them all!
Normally, wastewater is stored in the bathroom. But by venting a shower drain, you can ‘eject’ the water from the repository in style!
There are a handful of advantages of venting; whether you’re venting your shower or your kitchen. Read the next section to know more!
Advantages of Venting a Shower Drain
Shower drains can help greatly in the daily usage of your shower. I have elaborated on the advantages of venting a shower drain below, have a look.
Good Flow System
Although you cannot physically inspect this advantage, the venting system approves of it. It allows air movement in the pipes.
Most plumbing systems have this lacking; they don’t have enough air. It’s important to have airflow in between the drainage system.
In a house, the shower is the most water-drenched place. Accordingly, water drains the most in showers. In that sense, installing venting in showers helps the overall drainage system in a house.
The airflow aids greatly with the water flow. Additionally, it helps avoid leakages in shower problems in the future!
Improved Air Quality
Since the vent water’s not stored, the odor doesn’t affect the air. The evaporation of the wastewater improves the air quality inside your house.
Besides odor removal, it also gets rid of the toxic water. Since the bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in a house, it should be clean. Venting shower drains help keep the bathroom clean.
Healthy Atmosphere
The bacteria on the floors of your house can be contaminated; which poses great health risks. The main source of contaminated bacteria is in the bathroom.
Any contaminating bacteria in your bathroom can harm you. For instance, a toothbrush can have a layer of these bacteria without you knowing!
Venting shower drains eliminates the evaporation of sewer gasses. In turn, it stops the contamination and helps to maintain a healthy atmosphere!
By now, you must be intrigued about installing vents in the shower. Find the steps to do that below!
How to Vent a Shower Drain
The importance of venting the shower drain should be crystal clear to you by now. But, you may be figuring out the ways to vent the shower drain.
Tools
To start off, take a look at the tools you will need-
- P-trap pipes. This pipe acts as a barrier for the water from sewer gas. It curves the water out of the way of sewer gasses.
- 2-way pipes. This tool is necessary because one end of the pipe is used to vent the durian. On the other end, the wastewater transmission is done.
- Ventilation hoses. These hoses will act as a channel for the sewer gas. Any liquid particle from the sewer gas can be avoided by using this hose.
- Air admittance valves. These valves help the p-trap pipes to release the built-up air pressure. Additionally, AAVs help increase the longevity of p-trap pipes.
For your convenience, here are some top-quality AAVs used for venting shower drains-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
Using these AAVs will improve the venting system immensely!
The tool checklist is well understood now, but what about the steps?
Fortunately, I have gathered all the necessary steps and information for you!
Check the segment below for the proper steps.
Steps
- The first task will be the hardest task when setting up vents in the shower drain. You will have to locate the drain pipes in your bathroom.
These drain pipes are usually joined with the shower space. If you dig the shower space, you should find the drainpipes. Feel free to ask professional plumbers for help.
- Secondly, removal of corner pipes is mandatory. There are many corner pipes. Among them, you have to remove the corner pipe which connects shower and sewer.
Also, the P-traps and AAVs should be inspected. You can replace them if that’s necessary.
Note that, before removing anything, you should know the vent sizes of your shower. That way if anything gets damaged, you can easily replace it.
- Install a two-way pipe where the corner pipe was removed. The vent can connect to the sewer by the corner pipe.
Remember that, this two-way pipe has to be at least 15 inches high.
Previous ventilation systems can ease the situation for you. Just connect the two-way pipes through it.
- For the next step, take the ventilation hose. Connect the hose at the end of the two-way pipe.
Note that, you have to bend it downwards after attaching it. This declined angle helps prevent rainwater from getting in.
- Finally, it is time for some testing. You can test the drain pipe vents in the shower. The straightforward way to test it would be to take a shower.
You’ll see the water clearing faster and the shower space recovers in less time. That way, you can be sure that the vent system in the shower drain works!
Cover the holes again and do some tiling, if necessary. And voila. You have successfully vented a shower drain. You can now enjoy your showers even more!
Additional Tips Regarding Venting Shower Drains
Following the steps are sufficient, but some extra information can really help you. Venting showers may seem like a simple thing to do, but it requires preplanning.
Below, I’ve discussed the things you have to know before you vent your shower drain.
Also, enjoy some additional tips while you are at it-
- Try to install the vents outside of the bathroom/shower room. Ceiling vents can create a wide range of problems; when installed in showers.
- The placement of removing and installing pipes is crucial. If you place the pipes perfectly, preventing clogged shower drains will be effortless!
- Whenever you’re installing something that’s behind the walls, try to get a blueprint of your home. Many accidents can happen if electrical and water lines collide.
In that regard, always study the blueprints of your home before installing a new system.
Along with installing the vents, it’s important to choose the vent material wisely. The next section will definitely help you; read along.
Which Material to Choose for Vents
Ideally, there are many materials available for vent pipes. Among these, PVC is the cheapest and the most common option.
Also, you can find pipe materials such as galvanized copper, ABS, cast iron, etc. These are a bit on the expensive side, but they last longer than PVCs!
The ultimate choice can be filtered by the material cost, and that’s entirely up to you!
How Long Does Shower Vents Last
Shower vents are usually built to last. The average lasting years of 1 shower vent is 15 years! But, it is measured from the original installation.
Any repair after installation is not as impactful as the original installation.
Now obviously if you take care of the shower vents, they’ll last longer. Always do regular cleaning and plumbing of the vents!
FAQs
Do Plumbing Vents Have to Go Through the Roof?
No, plumbing vents are not advised to go through a roof or an exterior wall. It is possible to do so, but it is not recommended. Still, it has to be high up. Try to set up plumbing vents at least 4 feet under a door. It is the proper way to do it. It is the same for windows and other similar compartments.
Can You Put an Elbow in a Vent Pipe?
No, putting elbows in vents pipes is considered one of the most common plumbing mistakes. 90-degree turns in pipes are always prone to damage and are problematic. That is why elbows are disregarded in vent pipes. Still, you can use curved pipes. Just make sure the curvature is under 90-degrees.
Yes, showers and toilets can easily share a vent. The type of vents is very important here. If you’re using wet vents, this will be an easy setup. Additionally, it will be very compatible with the shower and toilet. If you’re setting up a vent for a shower and a toilet, connect the toilet at last.
Summing up
You have reached the end of this article. By this point, you should know everything about venting a shower drain.
It is not necessary to set this system up yourself. An experienced plumber can always lend you a hand!
Wishing you all the best in the venting process!