Replies

1. 
   chile_head | Apr 16, 2006 05:15am | #1

   1. Backflow.
   2. The check valve you put in to prevent backflow will eventually fail, leading to backflow.
   3. In a case of power snake vs. fan, the power snake wins every time.

2. 
   QCInspector | Apr 16, 2006 05:56am | #2

   Sound! Everytime the plumbing is used below, the noise will "trumpet" into the room.

   Any possibility of piping down and along a wall or between the floor / ceiling and then out?

3. 
   Frankie | Apr 16, 2006 09:31am | #3

   Don't use a "T".. Instead use a "Y". This way there will be less opportunity for the fan to blow down into the stack and for the stack fumes to waft into the attic when the fan is off.

   Don't know about the blowback though.

   Why do you need the fan in the first place?

   F

   There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.

   —Hunter S. Thompson
   from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

4. 
   philarenewal | Apr 16, 2006 10:25am | #4

   How many reasons can you name to convince me to not even think about installing a "T" in the stack and running into it with some duct from the fan? How many reasons do you need?  You've already gotten some good ones. Do you know what sewer gas smells like?  Do you want that smell in your attic? Do you know how flamable sewer gas can be?  Do you want that wafting through a fan that is likely (near certainty) not rated as explosion proof? Is it really that tough to put a boot on a vent pipe up through the roof? Do you really want any more reasons? (or any more of my stupid questions?)  ;-)

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

5. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 16, 2006 12:15pm | #5

   if U can get to the stack ...

   why can't U get to a convient location to cut thru the roof?

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

6. 
   McDesign | Apr 16, 2006 04:09pm | #6

   I've read the responses, and I've never done this, but frankly it's occurred to me more than once.  With proper detailing (backflow of fumes and rainwater related, mainly), I bet it could be done- I like one less roof penetration. 

   Maybe a good-sealing dryer vent-type flapper for a "check" valve in the fan vent entry into the soil vent - it could also deflect the power auger, but be light enough for the fan to blow open.

   Put some convolutions in the fan duct to block noise; use some 4" flex HVAC duct, too.

   Hmmmmmmmm. . .

   Forrest

7. 
   Shacko | Apr 16, 2006 06:27pm | #7

   Its against every code that I'm aware off. You could possibly create a health hazard. Unless you like checking gas cans with matches, don't do it!

8. 
   ClaysWorld | Apr 16, 2006 07:58pm | #8

   Being out of sawzall blades is not an excuse to use the plumbing stack.

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Apr 18, 2006 03:18pm | #9

   Thanks for the feedback.  I just hate putting another hole in a perfectly good roof but you all have presented more reasons to do it than not.

   Here's to add-ons!