What is a continuous vent in plumbing?

A continuous vent in plumbing refers to a vent that is vertically aligned and connects to a stack. This type of vent is essential for allowing the proper flow of air to maintain the necessary pressure within the plumbing system. By being continuous and vertically oriented, it helps ensure that waste gases can effectively escape from the system, preventing sewer gases from entering the building.

This setup aids in maintaining proper drainage and fixture operation by allowing air to replace the water that leaves the drain. Without such a vent, there could be negative pressure that might restrict the flow of wastewater or even siphon water from traps, leading to potential backflow issues and odors.

In contrast, other choices describe different types of vents that do not align with the definition of a continuous vent. Temporary and low-pressure vents serve specific functions that do not pertain to the concept of continuous venting in a plumbing system, and a vent for exterior air intake pertains more to ventilation requirements for appliances, rather than the functionality of plumbing vent stacks.