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mldelman · Jul 30, 2012, 09:32 AM

I just had major construction done on my house and all the walls around the kitchen were open (including the ceiling). The counters and sink were finally installed and I tested the sink. I noticed it drained very slowly like a clogged sink. I looked under the sink in the cabinet and noticed that there was a short vent with a vent cap. I was surprised to see this since all the walls were open why not run a proper vent stack. Well I pulled the cap off the vent and the sink drained immediately. I put it back on and it made some funny clicking noises.

Still wondering why the plumber (sub contractor) didn't run a full stack. Was he being lazy or cheap? Is there a preference between full stack or AAV if you have the ability to run a full stack to the roof?

I just want to get my facts straight before I make an issue of this with the contractor.

Thanks
Marc
Long Island, NY

massplumber2008 · Jul 30, 2012, 11:03 AM

Hi Marc

I don't think they allow AAVS in New York... hmmm.

Was a plumbing permit pulled on the job? If a plumbing permit was pulled then AAVs must be approved in your area and you are stuck with what you have there. In this case, it sounds like you need to replace the defective AAV and/or snake the drain line.

If there was no permit pulled then you are also in a tough situation, but the first thing to do would be to call a local plumbing inspector and just ask him if you can use an AAV in your state (don't think so, as stated). If no AAVs allowed then you talk to the contractor and tell him that you may not have pulled permits on the job but you still expected all codes to be adhered, too.

Finally, it is always a preference to run a non-mechanical vent (vent stack) vs a mechanical vent that can fail... always!

Get back to us with more details...

Mark

speedball1 · Jul 30, 2012, 11:20 AM

Is there a preference between full stack or AAV if you have the ability to run a full stack to the roof?

Marks answer was bang on.

Finally, it is always a preference to run a non-mechanical vent (vent stack) vs a meachanical vent that can fail.

And that's exactly what I think you have. A failed AAV.
You told me yourself when you said,

I pulled the cap off the vent and the sink drained immediately.

There's no doubt in my mind that if you'd replace the AAV your sink would drain. Whether it's legal or not is up to your inspector. Good luck, Tom