What Is Wet Venting in Plumbing?

Are you struggling with a malfunctioning plumbing system? Then call our Pride Services team at 516-528-3432 to schedule a plumbing service!

Your home’s plumbing system is extremely complex, consisting of various pipes, faucets, and other components that work together to bring your home a reliable water supply. While plumbing systems have changed drastically over the years, wet venting has been around since the 1920s and continues to be a common plumbing system. But what is wet venting in plumbing?

Basically, wet venting is when your plumbing system’s waste pipes double as vent pipes. By having more than one function, wet venting can often save you money by creating a more efficient plumbing system. 

As Rockville Centre’s reliable plumbing company, our Pride Services team knows that wet venting offers homeowners many potential benefits, but few people actually know what it is. So here’s everything you need to know about wet venting for plumbing and how it could be good for your Rockville Centre home.

How Does Wet Venting Work in Your Plumbing System?

Since wet vents carry waste water away from your home, plumbers typically install them for your toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks. A single wet vent system typically covers all the fixtures in your bathroom, although you can also use them for the kitchen. 

When you use your bathroom, the wet vents carry the wastewater from the plumbing fixture while, at the same time, venting air from another fixture in your bathroom or wet venting system. 

You know why you need your plumbing system to handle the wastewater, but why do you need the venting? 

If you don’t properly vent your home’s plumbing fixtures, you could experience a lot of different issues, such as:

• Slow-draining water
• Musty, unpleasant odors
• Gurgling noises coming from the plumbing fixtures
• Methane gas emission

By taking on two jobs, your home’s wet venting system not only keeps your plumbing system efficient but compliant with local plumbing codes.

What’s the Difference Between Wet and Dry Vents?

What is wet venting in plumbing, and how is it different from dry venting? The main difference is that one uses water while the other does not. 

Wet vents drain water while venting air from your plumbing systems. Meanwhile, dry vents only carry air, hence the name dry vents.

While it is possible to just use dry venting for your plumbing system, many homeowners and most experienced plumbers prefer the efficiency of wet vents. A wet venting system can also help you save money by reducing the amount of material and time needed for installation and operation. 

Understanding the Rules and Codes for Wet Venting

When it comes to caring for your plumbing system, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that everything is up to code. By staying compliant with local plumbing codes, you maintain a safer and more functional plumbing system, granting you peace of mind and savings on your monthly water bill.

In the United States, wet venting plumbing systems must follow these rules:

• A wet vent system can only work for a series of fixtures that are on the same floor of a home or building. They can’t operate on multiple or separate floors. 
•  Every 4 feet of horizontal piping needs to have a pipe supporter to properly secure the pipes and ensure reliable stability. 
• Wet vents should enter a drain line at an angle of at least 45 degrees. 
• When using wet vents for toilets or a water closet, the toilet must be lower than any of the other fixtures attached to the vent system. 

In addition to these rules, every building has its own regulations that determine how long your pipes should be. By having properly sized pipes for your wet venting system, you can prevent problems like hydraulic overload.

Contact the Pride Services Team for All Your Plumbing Needs

Our team at Pride Services has years of experience providing top-rated plumbing services for homes and businesses across Rockville Centre. If you want to learn more about wet venting and how it could benefit your home’s plumbing system, give our team a call.

What is wet venting in plumbing, and how do you know if it’s right for your home’s plumbing needs? We are happy to answer your questions and show you the benefits of a wet venting system. 

Whether you need tips for preparing for emergency plumbing issues or want to make an upgrade, our Pride Services team has you covered. Call us at 516-528-3432 to schedule a service. 

Published: Jun 10, 2023