Septic System Vent Pipes

RCI Septic Service • May 19, 2023

Through the design of your home and septic system, a plumbing vent pipe or plumbing air vent is installed in the roof. It is connected to all plumbing. Drainpipes remove water and waste from your home; the plumbing air vent pipe prevents sewer gases from entering the home and allows wastewater gases and odors to escape. 


Septic systems are often designed with a yard vent pipe. As the septic tank fills up with water and waste, this pipe will allow the gases produced in the tank to escape as well. It usually looks like a candy cane shaped pipe near your leach field.


Your septic tank and leach field are vented through the roof vent in the house. Having a vent on the leach field in connection with the roof vent allows a draft to flow through the leach field adding oxygen and helping good bacteria to grow. Today’s code calls for a vent in the leach field if it is buried deeper than 2 feet or you have a pump system. If you get any sewer smells, a charcoal filter and be installed to prevent the smell. If you have any questions about your septic system and how it works, contact us at 603-432-4840.

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