What is the designation for drainage piping serving more than one story?

The designation for drainage piping serving more than one story is referred to as a stack vent. This type of vent serves multiple floors by allowing air to enter the drainage system, which helps maintain proper water flow and prevents vacuum conditions that could impede drainage. The stack vent connects to the vertical pipes that convey waste and is typically terminated above the roof to release odors and prevent back pressure.

This setup is especially crucial in multi-story buildings, as it ensures that each level can effectively manage waste and ventilation simultaneously, promoting an efficient drainage system overall. Without adequate stack venting, issues such as slow drainage or siphoning of traps might occur, leading to plumbing problems.

Understanding the role of a stack vent is essential for managing plumbing systems effectively in multi-story structures, and recognizing it differentiates it clearly from other vent types that may not serve multiple levels in the same manner.