Fresh-Air Vent Inspection – Plumbing Code Violations
Moreover, an unprotected fresh-air vent is a violation of the plumbing code. Use your flashlight to check whether there is a blockage, and if the fresh-air inlet vent does not have a cover, record the condition on your worksheet for later installation.
Properly maintaining fresh- air vents is very important, because if too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants may accumulate to levels that not only affect the indoor air quality, but can pose health and comfort problems.
The most commonly used types of fresh-air vents are copper, stainless steel and galvanized metal. They may not look very attractive, but keep in mind that they are designed to improve indoor air quality and prevent potential issues with moisture, pollutants and others. They typically have a ¼-inch screen to prevent entry and may be available in various sizes, from 3” to 12” or more.
Fresh-air vents bring outside air in for combustion air or simply provide natural ventilation, but they can become clogged if not properly maintained, and their effectiveness will be significantly reduced. A fresh-air vent inspection may be conducted during a routine home inspection, or separately as a regular maintenance project.