RenoAtlas

Air-admittance valve (AAV): when is it allowed?

Understand that an AAV is not a universal replacement for outdoor venting: location, accessibility, freezing and system configuration matter.

VERT / GREEN

Identify the fixture and vent path before opening a wall.

JAUNE / YELLOW

An AAV may be allowed in certain situations under the locally adopted code, but must remain accessible and be installed per manufacturer.

ROUGE / RED

Hidden/inaccessible AAV, freezing location, plenum or a plan to eliminate all outdoor vents: have the design reviewed.

Quick triage

What the professional checks

The plumber confirms whether the case is permitted, sizing, height, accessibility, freezing, manufacturer instructions and required outdoor vents.

Official sources

Checked 2026-08-23