American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) Practice Test

What is the required distance a plumbing vent must be from a window?

1. 5 feet

2. 10 feet

3. 15 feet

4. 20 feet

The correct answer is: 10 feet

The correct distance that a plumbing vent must be from a window is 10 feet. This requirement is important for several reasons related to health and safety. Plumbing vents allow gases and odors from the sewer system to be released outside and help maintain proper pressure in the plumbing system. If these vents are too close to a window, there is a risk that unpleasant odors and potentially harmful sewer gases could enter the living space of the home, which could create health hazards and affect air quality. The regulation of a 10-foot distance is established to mitigate this risk, ensuring that vents are sufficiently far away from windows to prevent any backflow of harmful vapors into indoor spaces. This code also enables proper ventilation and escape of gases into the atmosphere without impacting the occupants’ comfort or safety.