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Statewide Alternate Method October 2017 Suite of Oregon Building Codes Division No. 07-01 Air Admittance Valves Better Buildings for Oregon (Ref.: ORS 455.060) Statewide Alternate Methods are approved by the Division administrator in consultation with the appropriate advisory board The advisory board's review includes technical and scientific facts of the proposed alternate method In addition: • Building officials shall approve the use of any material, design or method of construction addressed in a statewide alternate method; • The decision to use a statewide alternate method is at the discretion of the designer; and • Statewide alternate methods do not limit the authority of the building official to consider other proposed alternate methods encompassing the same subject matter. Date: Oct. 1, 2017 (Updated) June 30, 2014 (Updated) Aug. 19, 2010 (Revised) Dec. 14,2007 (Issued) Initiated by: Building Codes Division (BCD) lisr Subject: Air admittance valves as an alternate method of venting a plumbing fixture Background: Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) are venting devices designed for use with plumbing systems. AAVs are gravity-activated devices installed close to plumbing fixtures or on stack vents. Because AAVs are gravity-activated they can protect water-trap seals from failing due to "negative pressure" fluctuations. However, AAVs do not protect against"positive pressure" events; accordingly, AAVs need to be installed along with at least one roof vent. AAVs were introduced in Europe in 1979. After undergoing various tests, in several countries, they were approved for use in Sweden, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. Currently more than 2.5 million AAVs are in use outside of the United States. Since 1988, AAVs have been approved for use in 32 states, either statewide or by local jurisdictions. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)has also approved the use of AAVs in manufactured homes. See 24 CFR 3280.604 (2007). Based on Studor's submission, the division made a recommendation to the Oregon State Plumbing Board (Plumbing Board). The Plumbing Board reviewed the scientific and technical facts of the proposed alternate method ruling at its Dec. 7, 2007 regular meeting and proposed revisions to the ruling at its April 1, 2010 regular meeting.At the December meeting the Plumbing Board discussed various jurisdictions outside Oregon that currently allow for AAVs, with limitations, in construction. The Plumbing Board recommended evaluating the practices of other jurisdictions in regard to regulation of AAVs in Oregon. The Plumbing Board also discussed restricting the use of AAVs to 4/110 Building Codes Division ♦ Department of Consumer and Business Services • State of Oregon .0 , ?s 1535 Edgewater St. NW, Salem,OR 97304 ♦ P.O. Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309-0404 503-378-4133 ♦ Fax: 503-378-2322 1 bcd.oregon.gov +