Is there a general rule of thumb for what size pvc pipe is for what purpose? I'm looking to rerun some lines so I can convert my basement square shower for a tub.

Where do I go to find out local codes?

What is a wet vent and how does it differ from a normal vent?



Thanks.

1) Is there a general rule of thumb for what size pvc pipe is for what purpose? I'm looking to rerun some lines so I can convert my basement square shower for a tub.

Use 2" pipe and trap for your tub.

2) Where do I go to find out local codes?

Call your local Building Department.

3) What is a wet vent and how does it differ from a normal vent?

A regular vent installs just after the trap in the wall and runs as a dry vent out of the roof. A wet vent ties into a minor fixture drain line from the trap and uses that line both as a vent and a drain.

Regards, Tom

Let me see if I get this straight. Assuming the sink is dry vented and properly drain, if I then connect the shower drain to this, the shower drain will be "wet vented" through the sink plumbing?

Correct! Let me show you a typical, (in my area) bathroom group rough in. This configuation only uses one vent for the entire group.
4" ,(under cement and basements) 3" (on first and second floor) from the toilet to the main. The lavatory to connect to the toilet drain line and vent to the roof or revent back in the attic to a existing roof vent. The tub/shower to connect to the lavatory drain line and be wet vented by it as will the toilet.
I hope this clears things up. Regards, Tom

When looking at all the pvc pipes in my basement, is there a simple way to tell what's what?

New questions... is a standpipe just a vertical pipe? Is the waste stack just the main vertical path (3", maybe 4") that runs from upper floors down?