It’s ideal that you install a proper drainage and venting system for your washing machine to function properly.
The moment you begin to perceive strange sewer odors, slow drains, loud gurgling, leaks or any other drainage failures, you know something is definitely not right.
Gone are the days when traditional and conventional venting systems were widely utilized. With a studor vent, you can literally make your work easier and efficient.
Sewer gasses fuming into your laundry room and incorrect installation would be a thing of the past after carefully reading this detailed guide on washing machine studor vent.
In this post, I’ll be highlighting the methods you can implement in order to correctly install these valves on your washer, the precautions to take note of during installation, whether or not this is legal in your state and many more.
Kindly stay tuned!!
How Does A Studor Vent Work?
If you are new to this, you need to know that a Studor vent is actually a brand name for a specific type of air admittance valve (aka AAV) with a small dome shaped structure.
It’s a negative pressure-activated mechanical valve that allows air to get into plumbing or drainage systems whenever water is flowing out.
Basically, it’s a one-way plumbing valve that prevents the need for an air gap while blocking the release of sewer fumes into your house.
However, the vent terminal gets closed when pressure is balanced in the system which prevents sewer gas from escaping.
It only opens in order to allow exterior air to be drawn into the system via the valve.
Note that you will only be able to use a studor vent with a washer that has a drainage system or washing machines connected to a drain pipe.
Can You Use A Studor Vent For Washing Machine?
Without a doubt, you can actually use a studor vent for your washer venting system. It is necessary that you make use of a perfectly fitted one alongside proper installations.
A studor vent would effectively protect the water trap rather than the traditional method which involves the use of a vent system extended through the roof to open air.
You don’t really need to do all that hard work any longer. An air admittance valve for washing machine drain works just fine.
Making use of a plumbing studor vent would significantly reduce the amount of venting materials you might need while doing this.
It is cost-effective compared to the popular way of venting a drainage system.
Do you know that an AAV is illegal and not permitted in some regions? Find out below.
Which States Allows For The Installation Of Air Admittance Valves?
Before trying to install a plumbing studor vent for your washing machine, you need to be sure there’s no prohibition guarding the use of an AAV in your region.
Generally, not all locations are allowed to use a studor vent compared to others. This has been a major concern for lots of homeowners, but you might actually be lucky if your region accepts the installation.
According to International Plumbing Code practices, there are some particular laid down speculations. You need to always check your local building codes if it’s approved by your jurisdiction before going ahead to install studor washing machine air admittance valve.
However, some states are allowed to use just a minimum number of AAVs per home.
We’ve compiled a list of states and regions that accept AAVs and those that consider the practice illegal.
| Local Municipalities | Is studor vent legal or prohibited? |
| Fairfax County, VA | Legal |
| Minnesota | Prohibited |
| California | Check your authority having jurisdiction {AHJ} |
| Florida | Legal |
| Michigan | Legal |
| New York | Legal |
| Massachusetts | Prohibited |
| Pennsylvania | Legal |
| Texas | Legal |
| Michigan | Legal |
However, it does not necessarily imply that you will get in trouble or charged for illegally using studor vent. But you might experience issues if you are planning to sell the house later.
If your region wasn’t listed above, check in with your local plumbing authorities to confirm if their plumbing codes conform to the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
How To Install A Studor Vent For A Washing Machine
If you have been looking forward to initiating the studor vent installation or you’ve done it but it seems not to work, here is a detailed guide on the methods that would guide you through.
However, it isn’t really difficult to do this even if you are not a professional.
One of the first procedures to follow is to ensure that the valve is installed in a vertical and upright position. You shouldn’t be planning to install it in a horizontal position, it might not work that way.
The materials that would come in handy to get the job done includes the following:
- A hacksaw, pvc cutter or any tool that can cut a pipe
- A teflon tape
- Tape measure
- PVC solvent glue and cement
- Sanitary tee trap (fitting)
Here are the steps to follow for proper installation.
- Measure and plan the layout
- Cut the pipes using a PVC cutter
- Connect the pipes together alongside the Tee trap
- Install the air admittance valve (studor vent)
#1. Measure and plan the layout
An accurate measurement is needed in order to properly install a studor vent for washing machine. You should use a 1½ inch pipe which goes along the sanitary tee fitting to the P-trap. This is ideal in order to create adequate venting area and space.
Ensure that there is a minimum distance of at least 4 inches between the studor vent and P-trap.
#2. Cut The Pipes Using a PVC Cutter
I expect my P-trap to be 2 inches as it runs straight up into the washing machine box. You can use a marker to make a mark on the horizontal pipe, it should be a minimum of 5 inches from the P-trap.
Use any of the tools we mentioned above in the list to cut the area exactly where you’ve marked.
#3. Connect and Glue The Pipes Together Alongside The Sanitary tee
Use a pvc primer and cement to glue the waste arm to any horizontal parts of the sanitary tee pipe. You can check the manufacturer’s instructions alongside your local codes to determine the exact height for the AAV.
Most of the time you can use a height of 4 inches above the drain unless it is installed in the attic area above the insulation material, this should be 6 inches for the attic area specifically.
#4. Install The Air Admittance Valve (Studor Vent)
It is recommended that you use teflon tape on the valves thread. Using primer or solvent cement might void the warranty of the studor vent.
Ensure that the studor vent is well fitted on the top surface of the vertical pipe. Get it attached to the top.
You need to take note that the horizontal pipe in the system is required to be a minimum of 3 inches in diameter. Don’t forget that!! Lastly check if the connections are working properly.
However, remember that the horizontal pipe the trap dumps into must be at least 3 inches in diameter.
Additional Alternative: Trimming out the washing machine box
Numerous set-up can be used as long as you don’t make mistakes or errors with the measurements.
Another creative way and space-management method to do this is by trimming out the washing machine box.
With the help of the image below, you would notice that the pipe with the AAV on top was fitted easily inside a laundry box rather than running it straight up outside.
This area with yellow plaster below is exactly the spot to trim.
You need to purchase a box with double or single cuttable space that can be trimmed in order to fit the studor vent perfectly.
What Are The Types Of Studor Vent?
Be aware that there are only a few types of studor vent air admittance vents according to the manufacturers.
The 3 different types that relatively come with unique functions and uses as described below.
- Mini-vent
- Tec-vent
- Maxi-vent
However, the difference between these vents is their properties and utilization.
Tec-vent is best suitable for use at home compared to a Mini-vent that’s specifically for group venting and single fixtures.
Lastly, the Maxi-vent is specifically for stack venting which requires venting numerous fixtures through the soil or waste stack.
Precautions To Take Note Of Before Using Studor Vent For Washing Machine
There are basically some things you need to avoid or do while you’re installing the AAV to your washing machine.
Here is a full list below.
- Do not tamper with the studor vent in an effective manner. AAVs should not be spray painted. It might reduce the functionality.
- Studor AAVs are expected to be installed vertically, not horizontally and should not be more than 15 degrees out of level.
- The valves should be installed at specific areas where there’s access to air flow.
- The location of the AAVs should be free of solvents and grease.
- If the AAV is an individual and branch-type, it should be installed at least 4 inches above the horizontal fixture.
- For stack-type air admittance valves, they should be 6 inches above the fixture being vented.
Pros And Cons Of Venting A Washing Machine With Studor Vent
Following a detailed research and analysis, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with using an AAV for washing machine drain.
| Pros | Cons |
| It prevents sewer odors from releasing into your house. | Studor vent is prohibited in some states and not generally accepted globally. |
| Studor vent reduces long-term roof maintenance. | The mechanical valves are bound to fail and malfunction. |
| It’s easier to maintain compared to traditional and roof-top methods. | Slight inaccuracy in measurements can alter the proper functioning of the valve. |
| It uses less venting materials. | It could start to fail if they get clogged with carbon dioxide. |
| The system layout is flexible and easy. | Malfunctions can occur if foreign materials get into it. |
| You don’t necessarily need to direct the vent to the top of the roof |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Studor Vents Legal?
You should already be aware at this point that they’re literally legal and illegal to an extent in some particular region.
Some locations accept air admittance washer valves while others don’t.
Depending on your local building department or state, you need to confirm whether or not studor vent for the washing machine is prohibited.
Can A Studor Vent Be Installed In A Wall?
Yes, you can install a studor vent in a wall easily. It can be installed to the wall cavity by using a studor recess box. This box comes with a grill combination which allows air to enter during an operation.
In-wall installations aren’t that difficult to carry out as long as you have the necessary materials.
How To Test A Studor Vent?
To check and confirm whether or not the AAV is working, you should listen for any hissing sound or noise from the washing machine air admittance valve.
If an hissing sound is heard, then it’s obviously working perfectly. Test and ensure it’s also not leaking or clogged.
Final Thoughts
You need to properly vent a washing machine to avoid sewer odors coming into the house. The moment no water is flowing through, the vent terminal closes as it prevents sewer gasses from being released.
How long do studor vents last? Well, If you read this content to this point, you need to know that these AAVs last for approximately 30 years. That’s 500,000 uses overall.
Lastly,find out why your washer might be producing lots of smoke here.
