How to Check and Clean Plumbing Vents

A venting system is also known as a plumbing vent and is made out of pipes that lead from different fixtures to the outdoors. In most cases it is done via the roof. Vents are used in order to relief sewer gases, maintenance of the trap water sales and for oxygen admission. Every single fixture needs to have an external or internal trap while double trapping is actually prohibited by plumbing codes. Most plumbing fixtures also need attached vents and stack vents are used to vent the top of stacks.

Slow draining in your plumbing fixtures might be a sign that you have a clogged vent. This can happen because of a variety of possible reasons including improper location or when birds deposit debris in the vent that exits the roof. The checking and cleaning of these plumbing vents is a very easy task and anyone can do it. Let us take it step by step and see what needs to be done.

First of all you must gain access to the roof. An extension ladder might be needed. Be advised that there are cases in which you might need safety lines and strong anchor points. We wouldn’t want anyone to fall of a roof. After all safety measures are taken you need to start looking for the vent. It is usually made out of a plastic or metal pipe that is 7 to 10 centimeters in diameter and extends above the roof surface for 30 to 60 centimeters. The vent is usually located above the bathroom. Now you will need a flashlight. Use it to look down the vent for different possible objects blocking the pipe. If you see leaves, nesting materials or any material that seems easy to remove, chances are you can do it yourself.

The actual cleaning of the plumbing vent is best done by using water released with pressure, usually by utilizing a hose. Just put it in the vent and turn the water on. Now you have to listen for water backing up and a sudden stronger sound that signals the fact that the clog was pushed down into the drain. You could also put the hose directly inside the pipe and use it like a plumber’s snake to break the clog if water can not help out. If you have such a tool you should use it before turning on the water.

All that remains to be done is putting the lid back on and get off the roof. Keep in mind that you should always pay attention and never step on areas that do not seem safe.

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