A new building’s construction requires implementing several sophisticated systems and designs, many of which significantly overlap with the structure’s plumbing. Therefore, it’s vital to have a plumbing engineer on board, especially for commercial spaces with elaborate designs.
A plumbing engineer will plan and put the sanitary sewer, domestic water supply, fixtures, and other water and drainage systems in place.
The vent is an essential part of plumbing as it regulates air pressure and allows the free flow of wastewater away from the building. Here, we give you a low-down on everything you need to know about plumbing vents in commercial buildings.
What is a plumbing vent?
Also known as a vent stack, it is a pipe that runs from a plumbing fixture up through the building’s roof. Drain pipes remove water and sewage from the building; plumbing vents, meanwhile, allow air pressure to escape from the plumbing system and remove gas and odors.
Structurally, it is a vertical pipe attached to a drain line and runs through the roof, away from windows and air conditioning vents. Contrary to popular belief, its primary purpose is not to let air into the pipes. Instead, it allows the pressure to escape from the plumbing system as harmful sewer gases make it difficult for water to move through the lines.
Signs of damage
Plumbing vents in commercial spaces clog more often than in residential buildings. Bird and rodent infestation on the roof or clogging because of other debris can cause the following problems:
1. Strong sewage smells
2. Gurgling toilets and/or drains
3. Sluggish drains
4. Debris clogging the central roof vent
Planning for vent piping in commercial projects
Your MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineer will work with your architect to allow the space needed for vent piping. They will also identify the most appropriate location and area for the plumbing vent.
When designing, plan and map out every component of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure nothing conflicts with each other.
Commercial plumbing projects are more complex than residential projects and require plans and permits from municipalities. Therefore, you must hire qualified engineers for its successful navigation and timely completion.
How to get it right?
Including vent piping in your commercial building’s design early on is crucial to the project’s success. You must understand how it works, fits into the overall system, and serves the staff, customers, and other occupants to prevent future vent problems.
It’s also important to consider the building’s primary water supply and placement of windows and doors to ensure the fumes can dissipate without interfering with other systems.
About A Messe Supply
If you want to buy high-quality HVAC parts such as vents and pumps, A Messe Supply should be your one-stop destination. With over 100 years of experience in the Metropolitan Chicagoland Area, we also sell hard to find and obsolete plumbing parts and materials. We also provide several services, including custom pipe cutting, emergency deliveries, and on-site identification. You call us at 312-733-4876, 312-733-4848, or drop an email at Sales@AMesseSupply.com to know more.