Do Toilets Need to be Vented?

Human waste, toilet paper and cleaning chemicals consistently travel through the toilet. In the absence of a toilet vent, the gases expelled by waste and other solutions can remain in drainage pipes. Eventually, those malicious fumes retract from the drainage pipe back up into the restroom. This event causes the restroom to become an unsanitary and dangerous area inside a home. Leaving a toilet unvented can result in other impediments as well. Yes, toilets need to be vented.

What happens if a toilet is not vented?

Ventilation in the drainage pipes permit natural pressure in the pipes to level and help move the wastewater and matter down to the sewage line. Without the extra power from ventilation in drainage pipes, the water would have to be: siphoned out, pumped, or removed by artificial means.

Poor ventilation can develop a variety of plumbing setbacks.

• Slow drainage is the most recurring signal of poorly-vented drain lines. If the water slowly leaves a bathtub or sink the problem could be associated with inadequate venting. However, venting is a large scale and expensive repair. Before investing in a venting project, it is important to have tried all the possibilities that result in slow drainage such as clogging and blockage.
• Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet in your building or from bathroom sink drains could indicate a venting problem. The sound arises because the restricted airflow in pipes prevents water and waste from moving seamlessly through the drain lines.
• Bubbles in the toilet bowl commonly form because drain pipes are trying to obtain enough air to level-out internal pressure.
• No one wants to smell sewage odors. Drains in sinks and toilets are built with traps that hold a small amount of water after the sink or toilet has been drained. This water forms a seal that stops gases and odors from escaping the drain system and entering into your building, forcing out unpleasant smells. If there is limited air pressure from the vent in the drain pipes, the sealing water is lost. If the trap dries up, there is no sealant blocking sewer odors from entering  into the home or building.
• An empty toilet bowl may be due to a ventilation issue. A toilet bowl that does not refill after flushing, or has a minimal amount of water in the tank can result from weakened pressure. An imbalance of pressure in the drain lines ceases the flow of water leading to inconsistent water levels.

Overall venting will require a professional opinion. A drain camera might be needed to find the source of the issue, and building reconstruction is required in order to allow air to enter the drain pipes. A plumber would be able to resolve and answer any issues when you call for a free estimate. It is here where they can give you their recommendations and pricing before hiring them for a job.

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