You’re not alone if you’ve ever been confused about the difference between a vent tee and a sanitary tee. Many homeowners and plumbing professionals alike don’t know where they differ. Plus, many of them get confused between Tee and Wye as same. However, that is not the case.
But what is the difference between a vent tee vs sanitary tee? Even though these two are incredibly similar in design and use, a vent tee is preferable for connecting sinks, faucets, or washing machines. However, it’s better for domestic plumbing issues. In contrast, the sanitary tee is preferable for commercial plumbing tasks.
In this article, we’ll discuss the features and functions of each to help you determine the right one for your project. So, grab your tool belt, and let’s figure out how the two tees compare!
What is a Vent Tee?
A vent tee is a specialized plumbing fitting typically used in domestic plumbing systems. It is most commonly used to connect two pipes of different diameters at a 90-degree angle, allowing air to escape while providing a secure connection.
These are often used to connect a drain pipe to a vent stack and can also be used to connect two pipes of equal diameter. They are made of a variety of materials, including brass, copper, and plastic, and are available in a wide range of sizes to suit different plumbing applications.
Installing a vent tee is relatively simple. The two larger openings are connected to the two pipes, and the smaller opening is connected to a vent pipe.
The vent pipe should be installed, so it extends a few inches above the highest point in the system. This helps to ensure that the vent tee can equalize the water pressure and prevent water hammer.
What is Sanitary Tee?
The sanitary tee is a type of plumbing fitting used in the drainage system of a home or building. It is typically used to connect a vertical drain pipe to a horizontal branch line, allowing wastewater to flow in the direction of the branch line.
The tee is designed with an angled outlet, which is the distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other types of pipe fittings.
The angle of the outlet helps to ensure that any sediment or debris that enters the pipe is naturally forced to the bottom, where it can be easily removed. Sanitary tees are commonly used in residential and commercial plumbing systems.
They are designed to prevent sewer gases from entering a home or building by creating a water seal. They are also used to join two pipes of the same diameter and to provide a smooth transition point for the flow of water or waste.
Comparison Between Vent Tee and Sanitary Tee At a Glance
Before moving forward lets looks at the core differences between the two!
| Vent Tee | Sanitary Tee |
| Vent tees, also known as straight tees, are used to connect two pipes in a straight line. | Sanitary tees, also known as branch tees, are used to connect two pipes at a 90-degree angle. |
| They are best used when the flow of water or air needs to be regulated. | They are typically used for applications where the flow needs to be highly regulated. |
| They are generally made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. | They are generally made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. |
| Vent tees are used for low-pressure applications. | On the other hand, sanitary tees are used for high-pressure applications. |
| Vent tees are best for residential plumbing purposes. | Sanitary tees are more suitable for industrial purposes but are mostly used in residential purposes. |
Differences Between Vent Tee VS Sanitary Tee
Both sanitary and vent tees are used in plumbing systems. While the two are often confused, they are quite different. Understanding the difference between them is essential to ensure that the plumbing system is properly installed.
1. Usage
The most obvious difference between sanitary and vent tees is their use. A sanitary tee is used to connect two horizontal runs of a plumbing drain. It can also attach a vertical drain to a horizontal run.
The sanitary tee allows waste products to flow freely from one pipe to another without restrictions.
Sanitary tees are used in a variety of applications but are most commonly found in residential plumbing systems. They are used to connect the main drain line from the house to the sewer line, as well as to connect the vent pipe to the main drain line.
On the other hand, a vent tee is used to connect a vertical run of a plumbing drain to a vent pipe. The vent tee is designed to create an airlock in the plumbing system.
This airlock ensures that no sewer gas or odors can escape from the plumbing system. It also helps to prevent water pressure from building up in the plumbing system.
Vent tee fittings are often used to vent wastewater from a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. In addition, vent tees can be used to connect pipes of different sizes, allowing for simpler pipe routing.
2. Design and Construction
Another difference between them is their design. The sanitary tee is typically made of plastic or rubber and is curved. This design allows the wastewater to flow freely from one pipe to the other.
However, the vent tee is typically made of metal, while there are also plastic options, and has a straight shape. This design helps to create an airlock in the plumbing system.
3. Installation Process
In addition to their design differences, there are also differences in how they are installed. The sanitary tee is typically installed on the horizontal runs of a plumbing drain. This allows the wastewater to flow freely from one pipe to the other.
In contrast, a vent tee must be installed on the vertical runs of a plumbing drain. This helps to create the airlock in the plumbing system.
Overall, understanding the differences between the two tees is essential to ensure that the plumbing system is properly installed.
Which One is Better for You – Vent Tee or Sanitary Tee?
Vent tees are generally more versatile than sanitary tees, as they can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientations. They are often combined with P-traps to create a complete drain system.
Plus, they can also be used to provide an air gap between two pipes. However, vent tees can be more difficult to install due to their vertical orientation, and they require more space than sanitary tees.
So which one is better for you? That depends on the situation. Both of them are used in a variety of plumbing applications, and each has its pros and cons.
Usage of Vent Tee
Vent tees are commonly used in plumbing systems to connect two pipes. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials, making them suitable for a range of applications.
They can be used to connect two types of pipes, such as copper and PVC, and to connect two valves. They can also be used to connect a pipe to a faucet, a sink, a washing machine, or even a toilet.
Usage of Sanitary Tee
Sanitary tees are ideal for a variety of plumbing applications. They commonly attach a sink drain to the main sewer line. They are also used to connect two separate drain lines.
They can also be used to vent sewer gas, as well as connect water lines to the sewer lines. They are also commonly used in shower and bathtub systems, allowing for efficient water draining.
Ultimately, the choice between them depends on the specific plumbing application. Both types of fittings have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
Are Tee and Wye the Same Thing?
Tee and Wye are two common terms used to refer to fittings used in pipes and plumbing systems. While they are both used to connect two pipes, they are not the same.
Tee fittings are used to connect three pipes. They have a T-shaped design with three openings; two at the ends and one in the middle.
Wye fittings are also used to connect two pipes, but instead of a T-shaped design, they have a Y-shaped design. They are used to allow different branches to connect to a single pipe.
Unlike a Tee fitting, they are not used to create a branch, rather they are used to merge two branches into one.
Bottom Line
Although both vent tees and sanitary tees are used for plumbing purposes, they each have distinct functions and installation methods. Vent tees are used to vent out waste products, while sanitary tees are used to join pipes and drains.
So, when we’re talking about vent tee vs sanitary tee, It is important to understand the differences between the two. That will help you choose the best one for a particular plumbing application.