Running Plumbing Vent Through Wall & Studor AIV's

Pettrix · Oct 10, 2023

On my new house build, I had a nice and expensive standing seam metal roof installed. Talking with plumber and building inspector, they said I can run Studor AIV's on some of my plumbing vent stacks and I only require ONE outside plumbing stack vent. That outside vent can be through a wall that isn't near a window.

I know the best and most maintenance free plumbing vent stack is through the roof. Studor AIV's require replacement (7-10 years) and they are easy to installer and not expensive. I am not a fan of roof penetrations as they are always the first to leak. The wall vent is just like a roof vent and don't require maintenance. Anyone here with Studor AIV's and if they like or dislike them?

2manyrocks · Oct 10, 2023

I installed air admittance valves on my house to avoid putting any holes in the metal roof. No problems.

One thing you should consider is that most roofers will use some kind of silicone roof boot + sealant to seal around any vent stacks on your roof. I don't know what the life expectancy is, but doubt it will last anywhere near the life of your standing seam.

I would strongly prefer putting the vent stack through the wall.

tractortroof · Oct 10, 2023

Air admittance valves seem to last a long time in my experience. I have 5000 sq feet of metal roof with zero penetrations.

Pettrix · Oct 11, 2023

Thanks for the input. I will of course make the AIV's accessible in the attic area with an access panel.

Code prevents from using 100% AIV's as it requires at least one open air vent to the outside but I will do the wall penetration. The only issue is that my wall is ICF so there is 6" of reinforced concrete that I will have to do a core drill. Not ideal but will have to find a way to core drill a 4" hole into the concrete wall.

cj7 · Oct 11, 2023

Rent a core drill and bit. A decent rental company will have them.

Your plumber should know about core drills. Probably not the firt time they have had to drill concrete.

ponytug · Oct 11, 2023

Many of the larger concrete drills (esp. rentals) come with or have available a stand that will hold the core drill horizontal. I would just have a plan for how it is going to be fastened to the floor or wall, and what you are going to do with the wet slurry.

If it is at all possible, I would try to avoid cutting rebar. Not that the drill couldn't do it, it just cuts into your wall strength.

All the best,

Peter

Lineman North Florida · Oct 11, 2023

When I built my hunting camp over near the coast I put a metal roof on it and like you didn't want vent stack holes in my tin roof, I went with studor vents in the attic and have no had any problems in 5 years, did the same in my barn bathroom 18 years ago and have never had a problem with it either.