SmartScreen Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

Unit 010 Handout 3

Unit 010: Sanitation systems

Handout 3: The stack vent
The stack vent should normally be the same size as the discharge stack therefore a 110mm discharge stack will have a 110mm stack vent. The Building Regulations Approved Document H as a minimum requirement, permits the size of the stack vent to be reduced in one and two storey houses to not less than 75mm (82mm diameter pipe). The primary ventilated stack system has two main methods of ventilation. Stack vent to atmosphere Air admittance valve

Stack vent to atmosphere

Termination of stack vent The requirements for a stack vent terminating to atmosphere are: if the vent outlet discharges within 3.0m of an opening into the building (such as a window) then it must rise to a minimum height of 0.9m above the opening in order to avoid foul smells entering the building; if it should be fitted with a terminal or cage primarily to prevent access by nesting birds.

2012 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. www.SmartScreen.co.uk

Page 1 of 3

SmartScreen Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

Unit 010 Handout 3

Air admittance valve (AAV)

Typical air admittance valve An air admittance valve is now commonly used as an alternative to a stack vent, particularly with new properties as it can create savings in installation costs by removing the need to project a stack vent through a roof. However, there are a number of key installation requirements that must be followed in order to permit its use. Air admittance valves (AAVs) do not operate correctly if subject to freezing. Therefore they are not suitable for use on the outside of buildings and are restricted to internal use only although some external versions are now becoming available. The AAV must be fitted vertically to enable it to operate correctly. AAVs should not be used in dusty environments because the insect net or mesh is prone to blockage. The AAV needs to be accessible for maintenance purposes so if it is installed in a boxing it must include an access panel. If an AAV is installed in boxing there must be enough ventilation into the boxing to provide sufficient air supply for the valve to operate correctly. The AAV must normally be sited above the flood or spillover level of the highest appliance which is usually a basin or sink. When installed in multi-storey properties the AAV manufacturer will state the maximum number of storeys that an AAV may serve in a single building. This will usually be between three to ten storeys depending on the manufacturer. They should not be used in circumstances where an interceptor trap is fitted to the drainage system.

There are also requirements laid down by the manufacturer for the ventilation of the drainage system and there are requirements laid down for the maximum number of valves that can be used on a drain pipe run in relation to a standard stack vent being provided.

2012 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. www.SmartScreen.co.uk

Page 2 of 3

SmartScreen Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

Unit 010 Handout 3

Test 1. If a stack vent terminates to the atmosphere within 1m of a skylight window what action must be taken?

2.

Which part of an air admittance valve can be affected when the valve is positioned in a dusty atmosphere?

3.

What measures should be applied to the boxing in which an air admittance valve is fitted?

4.

Where should an AAV be fitted in relation to an adjacent appliance?

5.

What should be fitted to the top of a vent stack and why?

6.

If an AAV which is designed for internal use is installed externally what may happen?

2012 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. www.SmartScreen.co.uk

Page 3 of 3