Building Code Glossary
Air Admittance Valve: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define air admittance valve, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Air admittance valve is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A one-way valve designed to allow air into the plumbing drainage system when a negative pressure develops in the piping. This device shall close by gravity and seal the terminal under conditions of zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressure.” The IPC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Vents (IPC 2009), Vents (IRC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Air Admittance Valve — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A one-way valve designed to allow air into the plumbing drainage system when a negative pressure develops in the piping. This device shall close by gravity and seal the terminal under conditions of zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressure.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Air Admittance Valve, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A one-way valve designed to allow air into the plumbing drainage system when a negative pressure develops in the piping. This device shall close by gravity and seal the terminal under conditions of zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressure. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | One-way valve designed to allow air to enter the plumbing drainage system when negative pressures develop in the piping system. The device shall close by gravity and seal the vent terminal at zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressures. The purpose of an air admittance valve is to provide a method of allowing air to enter the plumbing drainage system without the use of a vent extended to open air and to prevent sewer gases from escaping into a building. |
Where air admittance valve is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Vents | IPC 2009 | 23 |
| Vents | IRC 2009 | 15 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about air admittance valve, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Vent stacks or stack vents shall terminate outdoors to the open air or to a stack-type air admittance valve in accordance with Section 91 7.
Individual vents, branch vents, circuit vents and stack vents shall be permitted to terminate with a connection to an air admittance valve.
The terms air admittance valve is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what air admittance valve covers:
- Drainage System — IPC 2009: Piping within a public or private premise that conveys sewage, rainwater or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal.
- Piping System — IRC 2009: All fuel piping, valves and fittings from the outlet of the point ofdeliveryto the outlets of the appliance shutoff valves.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Plumbing — IRC 2009: For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
Air Admittance Valve: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Drainage System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Drainage System: Building Code Definition
- Piping System: Building Code Definition
- Plumbing: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of air admittance valve?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A one-way valve designed to allow air into the plumbing drainage system when a negative pressure develops in the piping. This device shall close by gravity and seal the terminal under conditions of zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressure.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on air admittance valve?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Vents in the IPC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is an air admittance valve?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A one-way valve designed to allow air into the plumbing drainage system when a negative pressure develops in the piping. This device shall close by gravity and seal the terminal under conditions of zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and under positive internal pressure.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IPC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
Related pages
- Agent: Building Code Definition
Agent — IFC 2009 definition: A person who shall have charge, care or control of any structure as owner; or agent …
- Aggregate: Building Code Definition
Aggregate — IBC 2009 definition: In roofing, crushed stone, crushed slag or water-worn gravel used for surfacing for roof coverings.
- Agricultural Building: Building Code Definition
Agricultural Building — IFC 2009 definition: A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural …
- Air Barrier: Building Code Definition
Air Barrier — IRC 2009 definition: Material(s) assembled and joined together to provide a barrier to air leakage through the building envelope.
- Air-conditioning System: Building Code Definition
Air-conditioning System — IRC 2009 definition: A system that consists of heat exchangers, blowers, filters, supply, exhaust and return-air systems, and shall …
- Air Conditioning: Building Code Definition
Air Conditioning — IMC 2009 definition: The treatment of air so as to control simultaneously the temperature, humidity, cleanness and distribution of …