Can I replace an external soil pipe vent with a stub stack?

[biryani_boy]

Is it posssible to get rid of the ugly, primitive soil vent pipes sticking over the roof by replacing them with a shorter stub stack?

 

[just pumps]

It is or could be but I wouldnt.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

As above, you can, but vents are there for a reason. Drains need to breathe, capping off vent stacks, or lowering the height and fitting AAV's effectively seal the drain, so any positive pressure needs to find another way out. Which is usually via a trap inside the building, which will result in offensive odours internally.

 

[biryani_boy]

Thanks. Isnmt a stub stack a shorter pipe with an air admittance valve at the end, which does exactly what a vent pipe does, but one way and without the need to ruin the visual aspect of a house?

I’m not trying to remove the ventilation functionality, but replace it with something nicer, if that makes sense.

 

[Deleted member 294929]

If all your street did the same you would all be in a pickle.

Why not employ someone to fit you a new nicer looking one.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. A normal vent pipe, provided it is fitted with a bird guard, doesn't get blocked.
2. AAV's are mechanical, and will almost certainly eventually block, although it may take ages.
3. Any AAV must be:
3a. Suitable for external use if used outside. Not all are.
3b. Be fitted above the spill over level of the highest appliance connected to the stack. Thus a "standard" two storey house would have it fitted above the level of the rim of the highest wash hand basin.
4. I'm fairly sure there is a Water Regulations requirement for the highest drain on any 6 connected drains to have a proper vent.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Thanks. Isnmt a stub stack a shorter pipe with an air admittance valve at the end, which does exactly what a vent pipe does, but one way and without the need to ruin the visual aspect of a house?

I’m not trying to remove the ventilation functionality, but replace it with something nicer, if that makes sense.

You've contradicted yourself in the same sentence there. An AAV doesnt do the same as an open vent! The vent allows free passage of air in and out the system, an AAV only admits air if the system is under negative pressure.

 

[denso13]

Be fitted above the spill over level of the highest appliance connected to the stack.

Unless it is A1 rated, you can then have it lower down.