How to vent a kitchen sink can be tricky and cause a lot of frustration. Many homeowners put off one of those jobs for weeks or even months because they don’t know how to do it themselves.
If you have been putting off this job, too, use these tips and tricks for ditch-your-plumber days. Doing your plumbing work, such as venting the pipes, isn’t always easy, but there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself:
Table Of Contents
Step On How To Vent A Kitchen Sink
Step One: Sanitary Tee Installation
To vent the sink pipes, you will need to install a sanitary tee. The first step is to buy the right tee and cut it down to fit the distance from the drain pipe. You’ll want to grab some PVC cement and primer too.
For everything to be as watertight as possible, apply a good amount of cement along the inside wall of the pipe leading up towards where you are going to attach the new tee. For most sinks, this will be about 2-3 inches from where you’re installing it.
The next step is inserting the new sanitary tee into place; just make sure you have enough space on either side of your pipe. You’ll want to cement it into place on the inside of your pipe with PVC primer and then apply a protective layer of sealant over all exposed areas (don’t worry about the outside, you can just wipe away any excess).
The last step is connecting both pipes. Ensure that they are aligned well before attaching them, as this is probably the essential step. Make sure that everything is tight by taping down all of your connections with some duct tape. Read our recently published buying guide on the list of top-notch copper sinks & reviews on caravan sinks.
Step Two: Attach PVC Pipe
This step is going to depend on how much space you have to work with. You will want a piece of PVC pipe that can reach from the tee and down into your sink drain, which should be about 18 inches long for most sinks.
If there’s no room in front of the plumbing system, then it may not be possible at all; you’ll just have to find a way around it.
Step Three: Make A Line Far Off The Window
The next step is to make a line far off the window. The reason for this will be explained in a bit, but you’ll want to find something like wire or string that’s at least 18 inches long and attach it securely from your sink drain pipe up towards where the vent pipe goes out of your house (this should be near either the highest point of your house or the highest window).
Using a level, make sure that this line is perfectly horizontal (you’ll need to wait for it to dry before proceeding if you use wire), and then it’s time to attach one end of the vent pipe. Make sure that you place some sealant on both sides where they meet before connecting them up.
Step Four: Drilling A Hole
The next step is to drill a hole and make 1 5/8 – inches diameter hole. You’ll need a drill for this, and it needs to be deep enough that the pipe can fit into place without coming out of the other side (a little bit should stick out).
The vent pipe will have an end cap with holes in either direction; make sure you match these up by putting your hand inside before taping them all together.
Step Five: Cut 1 ½ – inch Length Pipe
The last step is to cut a length of pipe that’s around 18 inches long. You’ll want to have this ready before you drill your hole because the pipe will need something for it not to come out on the other side (don’t worry, just go ahead and seal it).
Once you’ve done all of these steps, fill up the sink and make sure that it drains out through the vent pipe.
Step Six: Drilling A Hole
The final step to installing a vent pipe is that you’ll need to drill a small hole. This will be about 12 inches up from the bottom of your sink and should have an area large enough for the vent pipe to fit in through it all the way down (again, this is where string or wire can come in handy).
You want to make sure that there’s some space on either side of the pipe and that it’s at least six inches off to either side (if not, then you’re going to need a vent extension).
Step Seven: Make Sure The Pipe Is Offset
Make sure your new vented pipe is offset from the original. You want all pipes coming out of one hole in the wall to be offset from each other, so you’re going to need a coupling.
These are often sold in plumbing stores and can easily be installed by just tightening it up with your hands (you may want some pliers for this).
After installing the vent pipe, then you’ll have to make sure that there’s enough length on either side of your first vent pipe for it not to be affected by the force of any water pressure.
If there isn’t, you’re going to need a longer piece, and this can be done at home with a couple of pipes around 18 inches long.
Step Eight: Put Tape On Window
At last, put some tape on the window. This will be either at the highest point or up towards where your vent pipe goes out of the house. You’ll want this because it’s going to help create a seal that prevents any water from being forced back into your home, which can cause mold and other problems.
Things To Keep In Mind While You Vent Kitchen Sink
- Be sure to turn the cold water off at the source.
- Use a bucket or pot of hot water with soapy dishwater and some towels to clean the area where you will be working before you begin venting.
- The first thing that needs to go is any type of drain cleaners, chemicals, or other dirty supplies. Make sure to keep these things away from the site and safely out of reach when you’re working on it.
- Be aware that some pipes will need more work to be correctly vented, including additional tools or a second person’s help, such as somebody else who can turn off the water source while you do your job.
- Once you’ve released the pressure, turn on the water and run it to remove any other debris that may have been created by venting.
- Don’t forget to put everything back the way it was before you started.
Final Verdict
We hope this article has helped you to know how to vent a kitchen sink. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Our team of experts is always happy and willing to help our readers make their lives easier. Stay tuned for more helpful articles about plumbing tips and tricks, as well as other DIY projects that can save time and money around the home.