Building Code Glossary
Stack Venting: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define stack venting, 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
Stack venting is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents.” The IPC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack.” 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 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009), Sanitary Drainage (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?
Stack Venting — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Stack Venting, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack. |
Where stack venting is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Drainage | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Vents | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about stack venting, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Side-inlet quarter bends shall be an acceptable means of connection for both drainage, wet venting and stack venting arrangements.
Side-inlet quarter bends shall be an acceptable means of connection for drainage, wet venting and stack venting arrangements.
The terms stack venting is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what stack venting covers:
- Venting — IRC 2009: Removal of combustion products to the outdoors.
- Waste — IRC 2009: Liquid-borne waste that is free of fecal matter.
- Stack — IRC 2009: Any main vertical DWV line, including offsets, that extends one or more stories as directly as possible to its vent terminal.
Stack Venting: 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 | Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Venting | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Waste | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Stack | |
| 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
- Venting: Building Code Definition
- Waste: Building Code Definition
- Stack: 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 stack venting?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents.” 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 stack venting?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Sanitary Drainage in the IRC 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 are the requirements for stack venting in Ontario plumbing code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IPC 2009. It is not the same as Plumbing, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” 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.
What is the plumbing code requirement for a vent stack?
Vent Stack is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A vertical vent pipe installed to provide circulation of air to and from the drainage system and which extends through one or more stories.” That is not the same as stack venting, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack without individual fixture vents.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Spraying Space: Building Code Definition
Spraying Space — IFC 2009 definition: An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are …
- Stack Bond: Building Code Definition
Stack Bond — IBC 2009 definition: The placement of masonry units in a bond pattern is such that head joints in successive …
- Stack Vent: Building Code Definition
Stack Vent — IRC 2009 definition: The extension of soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected.
- Stack: Building Code Definition
Stack — IRC 2009 definition: Any main vertical DWV line, including offsets, that extends one or more stories as directly as …
- Stage: Building Code Definition
Stage — IBC 2009 definition: A space within a building utilized for entertainment or presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains, drops …
- Stair: Building Code Definition
Stair — IBC 2009 definition: A change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.