Building Code Glossary
Sterilizer Vent: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define sterilizer vent, 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
Sterilizer vent is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also called vapor, steam, atmospheric or exhaust vent.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IPC 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?
Sterilizer Vent — IPC 2009, Definitions:
A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also called vapor, steam, atmospheric or exhaust vent.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Sterilizer Vent is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also called vapor, steam, atmospheric or exhaust vent.
Where sterilizer vent is used in the code
The term appears in 2 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 | IPC 2009 | 21 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about sterilizer vent, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Multiple installations of pressure and nonpressure sterilizers shall have the vent connections to the sterilizer vent stack made by means of inverted wye fittings.
The terms sterilizer vent is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what sterilizer vent 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.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
- Stack — IRC 2009: Any main vertical DWV line, including offsets, that extends one or more stories as directly as possible to its vent terminal.
Sterilizer Vent: 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 IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Drainage System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| 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
- Building: Building Code Definition
- System: 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 sterilizer vent?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also called vapor, steam, atmospheric or exhaust vent.” 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 sterilizer vent?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Sanitary Drainage 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 are the code requirements for plumbing vents?
Plumbing is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” That is not the same as sterilizer vent, which the IPC 2009 defines as “A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is the purpose of a vent in a plumbing system?
Plumbing System is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “Includes the water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures, supports and appurtenances; soil, waste and vent pipes; sanitary drains and building sewers to an approved point of disposal.” That is not the same as sterilizer vent, which the IPC 2009 defines as “A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal, that receives the vapors from nonpressure sterilizers, or the exhaust vapors from pressure sterilizers, and conducts the vapors directly to the open air. Also …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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