Building Code Glossary
Sump Vent: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define sump 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
Sump vent is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.” 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 3 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. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
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?
Sump Vent — IPC 2009, Definitions:
A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Sump Vent is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.
Where sump vent is used in the code
The term appears in 3 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 | 4 |
| Vents | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about sump vent, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Sump vent sizes shall be determined in accordance with Sections 916.5.1 and 91 7.6.2.
Sump vent sizes shall be determined in accordance with Sections P3113.4.1 and P3113.4.2.
The terms sump vent 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 sump vent covers:
- Sewage Ejectors — IPC 2009: A device for lifting sewage by entraining the sewage in a high-velocity jet of steam, air or water.
- Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
- Sewage — IRC 2009: Any liquid waste containing animal matter, vegetable matter or other impurity in suspension or solution.
Sump 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 | Vents (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Sewage Ejectors | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Sewage | |
| 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
- Sewage Ejectors: Building Code Definition
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Sewage: 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 sump vent?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.” 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 sump vent?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 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 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 sump vent, which the IPC 2009 defines as “A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What are the venting requirements for floor drains?
Venting is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “Removal of combustion products to the outdoors.” That is not the same as sump vent, which the IPC 2009 defines as “A vent from pneumatic sewage ejectors, or similar equipment, that terminates separately to the open air.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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