Does a horizontal 1 1/2" vent pipe in attic, coming from washing machine below, have to go through the roof? And, why is this pipe not giving off a sewer smell? This pipe is uncapped and ends inside the eves area.

All vents should go to outside. No smell because there is a trap stopping gases from coming in. If trap gets drained of water will gets smell. This is a health problem.

Chuck

there is a trap stopping gases from coming in.
That's not quite correct Chuck. Traps prevent sewer gas from getting out into your house. If you leave a open vent anywhere but outside the house you will have left a direct open connection between your home and the city sewer.


This pipe is uncapped and ends inside the eves area.
Does that mean it terminates inside the attic next to the eves or does it go outside under the eves? Let me know, Tom

Does that mean it terminates inside the attic next to the eves or does it go outside under the eves? Let me know, Tom

Tom, it terminates inside the attic.

, it terminates inside the attic. Read my post and run the pipe outside. Sewer gas is harmful to your families health and the methane content makes it explosive.. Do it ASAP!! Tom

Hi all..

Indy:

At a minimum you can install a mechanical vent... called an AAV (see image). This can be adapted to any pipe type with a clamp and a fitting or two. This is easiest, but it is not always CODE LEGAL in all areas.

Otherwsie, as Tom stated real well, you'll need to pipe that vent into other vents in the attic or you'll need to run that vent up and out the roof by itself!

Bottom line, a vent cannot be open to your house.

Back to you...

Mark

Hi speedball

Is it not normal to have a trap on waste pipe just before it exits the house?

Chuck

Hi speedball

Is it not normal to have a trap on waste pipe just before it exits the house?

Chuck

Hey Chuck,
No! Traps are installed on all fixture drains to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. I believe what you're speaking of is a running trap,(see image). This is installed just downstream of the house clean out on the outside. Regards, Tom

Hi Tom

Understand about traps at each fixture.

Doesn't a running trap help prevent gases from backing up into house?

Chuck

Every trap is there to contain sewer gas. Without them every drain would be a open connection to the city sewer. You don't see too many running traps in a sewer line. The traps in the house are sufficient to stop sewer gas from entering. Regards, Tom,