Island Sinks & Bow Vents

If you are designing your new kitchen with an island sink, make sure you understand if you need a bow vent, or your kitchen may not pass inspection. I received this email the other day from homeowner:

Dianne,
We are remodeling our kitchen. The area is u shaped with the sink right now in the island across from the stove. It has been drawn that the sink will move to the bottom of the u shaped under a window, stove remains and island becomes just counter. My question is do I have to move my sink to be in code or could I put it back where it was?

It turns out her contractor told her that she could not put her sink back in the island, which is where she wanted it. But she didn't know why.

island sink bow vent

Photo of a Bow Vent, located behind the wall

Her old island kitchen sink was not vented properly with a bow vent. A bow vent is necessary for the waste water to flow smoothly without clogging. These are also needed for a sink placed in front of a large picture window.

Bow vents must be pre approved by the plumbing inspector, so make the call before you design you kitchen, as you may have to start this process over.

A loop of plumbing drains and vents is tied to a pipe under the floor that then runs to the main vent. This arrangement allows you to use the home's vent stack, which allows air into the drain. Without a source of fresh air, the negative air pressure inside the drain would prevent water from moving along the pipe

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_12218417_to-plumbing-vent-bow-loop.html

island sink bow vent

Photo of a bow vent inside an island cabinet

This is what you will see inside your sink cabinet with a bow vent. With the additional plumbing and the garbage disposal, don't count on this cabinet for much storage.

An island prep sink is definitely worth it for the cook, so they can talk to their family & guests, as opposed to staring out a window with their back to everyone. Make sure you plan ahead!

Having a design dilemma? Reach out to us - we are here to help make this process easy and enjoyable!