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Can You Use A Studor Vent On A Washing Machine?

If your washing machine lacks adequate ventilation, you may perceive a foul odor in your home emanating from the drain.

That’s why some users ask for studor vents to provide air in the drainage and dissipate negative air pressure. 

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s alright to use a stud or vent for your washer, you’re in the right place.

You can use a studor vent on a washing machine if you connect your washing machine to a drain pipe. The international plumbing codes recommend a Studor vent for any single fixture connected to a drain pipe. The vents clear up the build-up of bad fumes and prevent the same emission. 

If you read on, you’ll see why Studor vents are important and how you can install one on your washing machine. 

Does A Washing Machine Need A Studor Vent?

Can You Use A Studor Vent On A Washing Machine?

Building and plumbing codes dictate that you have to vent all plumbing fixtures in the home, washing machines included.

A Studor vent on a washing machine is important because air can enter the plumbing fixtures. 

With a Studor vent, the negative pressures will not cause the water levels to deplete. The bad smells and sewer odors will not fill your room.

In the absence of a Studor vent, negative pressures will cause the water levels to deplete. And that causes sewer smells to enter the room.

So, for a fixture like your washing machine, you need a studor mini vent. The purpose of the vent is to prevent fumes from building up. 

If the drains lack good vents, they can make a lot of noise and emit bad fumes into the home. In addition, the drainage can be very slow.

You can use Studor vents to fix venting problems if regular venting pipes can’t be the solution.

With Studor vents, air can enter the pipes and prevent the sewer odor from entering your home. 

When Is It Appropriate To Use A Studor Vent For Your Washing Machine?

Usually, plumbers use studor vents when there is no drain line and vents connected to washing machines. In that case, methane can come up the sewer drain on all drain lines. 

Some contractors also install studor vents when it’s difficult to install regular plumbing vent piping. 

But, in other set-ups, they can use an AAV like a studor vent to supplement the existing piping system. 

Additionally, installing studor vents to the previous piping system can help avoid methane leaks when there is heavy water usage and reduce trip siphonage.

But, the methane will vent to outside air to prevent pressure from building in the pipe.

It’s just like pouring gas out of a tank; it needs air to replace the liquid while it’s pouring.

So, with the studor vent, that air will be sucked into the pipe when the water flows. But it will allow the gas in the sewer to escape. 

It is important to use a studor vent, especially when your washing machine is gurgling and bubbling.

The vents are useful for facilitating drainages in the washing machine. And it also allows air to enter the drain pipes when there is suction.

Once the suction disappears, the vent will close so that harmful fumes and foul odors will not enter the building.

It would be best if you had a studor vent or AAV to trap the water backflow and block the sewer gases from entering the house. 

What Is The Appropriate Height For A Washing Machine Studor Vent?

You should install a washing machine studor vent at least four inches above the horizontal branch drain. 

It should also be at least 6 inches above any insulation material and not more than 15 degrees vertical.

Since you cannot cover the studor vent permanently, install it in an area that will allow it access to air. There should be enough air entering the valve.

It should also be in an accessible area so that if you want to replace it sometime in the future, it will be an easy task.

Furthermore, you can choose the size of the studor vent to install based on the drainage fixture unit and the load of the fixtures, whether it’s for a bathroom or, in this case, for a washing machine. 

Also, the DFU loads are assigned to the washing machine depending on the discharge volume.

And the DFU load determines the size of the studor vent. If you get the wrong size, the plumbing will not operate properly.

In addition to the height, you must get the correct size for the system to function properly.

The AAVs available usually range from 1½, 2, 3, and 4 inches. The vent should be half the diameter of the pipe you install it on. 

The codes provide the appropriate applications and their DFU loads. The table below contains the right DFU load size for fixtures.

Fixture ApplicationDFU Loads
Washing machine3
Dishwasher3
Bathtub/shower2
Sink/Disposal2
Drinking fountain0.5
Shower stall (5.7gpm or less)2

How Do You Install A Washing Machine Studor Vent?

Studor vents aren’t uniform in size, and several options are available for you to vent your drain system.

There are different sizes to choose from, depending on the pipe size. 

Although it’s usually best if a professional install them, you can easily install a studor vent with the right tools and instructions.

So Below are some tools that you’ll need to do the installation.

  • Hacksaw or pipe cutter
  • Torpedo level
  • Safety gloves
  • Measuring tape
  • PVC primer and cement
  • Felt tip pen
  • Teflon tape
  • PVC straight tee

Once you have your tools all set, follow the instructions below very carefully:

#1. Check The Minimum Clearance

Take the measuring tape and measure the distance between the wall (standpipe) and the water trap. 

The minimum distance between the outlet of the water trap and the Studor vent should be 4 inches.

For the AAV to work properly, the bottom of the Studor vent should be at least 4 inches from the top of the water trap arm.

#2. Measure The Pipe, Mark, and Cut

Again, use the measuring tape to mark the horizontal arm between 4-5 inches from the water trap. Then mark the horizontal arm with a felt tip pen.

Remove the ward trap arm and use a hacksaw to cut the pipe at the spot where you marked.

#3. Connect A Straight Tee

Use a PVC primer and cement to glue one of the straight tee’s horizontal ports to the waste arm’s main section.

Using the measuring tape, measure the length between the horizontal end ports of the tee and cut out the same length from the leftover waste arm. 

Glue the remaining piece of the waste arm into the horizontal part of the tee.

#4. Install The PVC Pipe On The Tee’s Vertical Port

Next, you’ll have to use glue to install a short pipe on the female threaded hub. The pipe should be about 4-6 inches long.

#5. Install The AAV

Use Teflon tape and glue to screw in the threaded stud.

#6. Install Pipe Back

Finally, install the waste arm into the p trap so that the  Studor vent will face straight up as it stands in a vertical position. 

If the studor vent is not vertical, it will not work properly. 

In addition to the installation process, you should also remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Some of the instructions border on safety which includes:

  • Do not install the valve in a non-neutralized special waste system.
  • If you adhere strictly to the engineer’s design and the local code, you can install the valve on sewer ejectors.
  • Only install in areas with a temperature range between -40 and 150°F. 
  • Install the vent in a vertical upright position. 

FAQs

#1. Can you Vent a Washing Machine With an Air Admittance Valve?

A small air admittance valve can easily fit inside a laundry box, so you can use it to vent a washing machine. 

#2. What Does a Studor Vent Do on a Washing Machine?

A studor vent is an air admittance valve known as an AAV. The studor vent allows air to enter the drainage system when fixtures discharge. 

#3. Do I Need to Replace the Studor Vent?

Yes, when studor vents fail because of any external impact or internal fault, you’ll need to replace them.

#4. How Long will My Studor Vent Last?

If you install it properly, a studor vent will last 30 years. Each vent will function efficiently and last for up to 500,000 cycles. 

Conclusion

Studor vents are easy to install, even for non-professionals, and are a very effective way to vent your washing machine.

Always follow area code regulations when installing the studor vent.

And if you encounter any confusion in the installation process, always call a professional to lend you a hand. 

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