What is the purpose of an Individual Vent in a plumbing system?

The purpose of an Individual Vent in a plumbing system is primarily to prevent siphoning. Siphoning can occur when there is a sudden change in pressure within the plumbing system, which may cause wastewater to be drawn out of the traps, resulting in the potential for sewer gases to enter the living space. An Individual Vent allows air to enter the drainage system and helps maintain proper atmospheric pressure, which stabilizes the water seals in the traps. By facilitating air flow, these vents ensure that the wastewater can flow freely while keeping the trap water intact, effectively preventing the release of odors and sewer gases into the indoor environment.

In contrast, increasing water flow involves techniques like appropriate pipe sizing and system design but is not the role of the Individual Vent. While vents do help address odors indirectly by maintaining trap seal integrity, the main function is about pressure management. Similarly, connecting multiple fixtures typically involves a branch line or other plumbing connections rather than the specific function of an Individual Vent.