How Does a Plumber Clean a Clogged Plumbing Vent?
It might be challenging to visually check plumbing vents for blockages because they extend vertically along the exterior wall to the roof. For this reason, homeowners typically rely on symptoms within the house, such as the sink or bathtub draining water poorly or not at all. Additionally, gurgling sounds from the drains may indicate an obstruction in the plumbing vent pipes.
When the plumbing vent becomes clogged, it creates negative air pressure within your home, impacting water flow. As a result, you could notice delayed or nonexistent water drainage. In addition, a clogged vent can cause harmful odors to flood your home. Ignoring these problems can lead to the entire plumbing system breaking down, even though they might seem minor initially. As a result, your house may sustain damage and need thousands of dollars to fix due to leaks and full-scale pipe breaks.
To avoid dealing with the consequences of a clogged plumbing vent, hire a plumber to unclog it and give you peace of mind in your home. This piece will provide information on plumbing vents and how a plumber can help you clean a clogged one.
What Are Plumbing Vents?
Water flowing down your drains may fill the pipe and cause a vacuum. Air from above your roof enters the pipe through the plumbing vent. After that, the air pressure stabilizes and prevents a vacuum from developing. Once more, waste and water will flow unhindered into your septic system or sewage line.
A plumbing vent, or “stack,” as experts refer, extends from your plumbing system through your attic and ends at the top of your roof. Having your plumbing vent on your roof is ideal for allowing harmful gasses to exit your home above nose level.
How Does A Plumber Clean Your Clogged Plumbing Vent?
The best part of working with a plumber is that they always have the necessary tools for unclogging clogged plumbing vents. They are better positioned to safely and expertly get your plumbing vent in the best working condition without causing any damage. Here’s how a professional will help clean your clogged plumbing vent:
Removing The Debris In The Vent
Your plumber will first find the plumbing vent—the pipe that protrudes from your roof. They will then examine the vent pipe to check for visible debris, including branches and leaves. They could even discover rodent, and bird carcasses stuck in the piping vent.
An expert will know how to reach down the vent, remove trash or remains, and discard any findings. Sometimes, eliminating blockages might help to restore air circulation. After clearing any obvious obstructions, your plumber will use the plumbing auger to clear any material accumulated farther down the vent pipe. This tool can dislodge all garbage collected in the pipes.
Breaking The Remaining Clog
After utilizing the plumbing snake and the clogs in the vent persist, your plumber could use the strongest setting on a garden hose with a nozzle to release water down the vent pipe. The water will help to remove any lingering clogs in the plumbing pipe.
Of course, if the pipe has a greater obstruction, such as years of garbage or an animal that climbed and died in the vents, water may enter the vent pipe and overflow through the aperture. If so, your plumber might have to consider using more forceful methods to clear the plumbing vent. This is when professional intervention comes in handy.
Confirming If The Vent Is Now Working
After cleaning the debris from the vent pipe, your plumber will check to see if the plumbing vent is operating properly. They may ask you to lay your palm over the plumbing vent while someone in the house flushes the toilet. If you sense a suction force, you know the plumbing vent functions properly.
Consult With A Professional Plumber
Don’t let your family be in danger because of a clogged plumbing vent, particularly when the answer is so easy. Your plumbing vent pipe is an important aspect of your plumbing system, especially the drainage system. It keeps smells and sewage gasses out of your house and correctly guarantees the water and trash flow. Contact your plumber immediately to ensure your plumbing system is functioning properly. They will briefly examine your plumbing system and offer a quote for the necessary repairs to get it operating normally again.