Yesterday, my wife and I were looking at a house (to buy) and on the third floor they had an unusual, old toilet. There was what appears to be a vent from the bowl, just below the rim and offset to the right side (while facing the toilet). This was connected by a large-ish (1 1/2 or 2 inch?) pipe that disappeared into the wall. I assume that it was connected to the vent stack. I've been in a lot of old houses (and owned a few) but have never seen anything like this.

I am curious to know if anyone knows about this. Is it a vent? What was the purpose? Were these common at some point. The house was built in the 20's and the toilet was a fairly conventional two piece (tank sitting on the bowl, not hung from the wall).

I have not seen what you describe but it must be a model with an exposed vent... my guess.

from Canada, Casa Loma



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

it is what is called a local vent. they ran galvanized ductwork up to the attic and into a chimney.
the upwards draft of the chimney took the bad smells up and away.

Local Vent: A vent on the fixture side of the trap.

Ducted Toilet

Window

Exhaust Fan


Required for any room containing a sanitary fixture.



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

I've not seen anything like that out here in CA. Must be an east coast thing. It looks like a serious blaster of waste with a large water inlet similar to what we have with Flush Valve Toilets in commercial setting.