Final answer:
Vent pipes protect fixture traps against backflow, clogging, leakage, and corrosion. They work by allowing air to enter the plumbing system, equalizing pressure and preventing siphoning or backflow. Without vent pipes, sewer gases could enter the building and trap seals could be compromised.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vent pipes protect fixture traps against backflow, clogging, leakage, and corrosion. They are an essential component of plumbing systems and are designed to maintain the proper operation of fixture traps, which help prevent sewer gases from entering the building and provide a barrier against backflow.
Vent pipes work by allowing air to enter the plumbing system, equalizing the pressure and preventing siphoning or backflow. When water flows down a drain, the vent pipe allows air to enter the drain line, preventing the water from creating a vacuum and pulling trap seal water out of the fixture.
For example, if you were to pour water down a sink drain without a vent pipe, the rushing water would create suction and potentially pull water out of the trap, causing the trap to lose its seal. This could lead to foul odors and the potential for dangerous sewer gases to enter the building.