If your sink is clogged and you constantly fail to find the source of the problem, it might be worth checking if it is your drain. It is time to look for the upward instead of down when you see that the sewer line is not clogged, but your sink still won’t drain properly.
Having faced a persistent sink clog that seemed unsolvable, I discovered the issue was due to a clogged vent pipe. This highlights the importance of checking vent pipes when common drain solutions fail.
There is a possibility that the vent system, which is the plumbing pipes that project out of the roof, is clogged instead. If you want to know how to unclog the vent pipe on the roof, read the explanations below and get your vent pipe to work optimally.
Clogged Vent Pipe Symptoms
A venting system in a plumbing line is designed to balance the pressure down the drain line when water flows through it. This system is crucial for preventing slow drains and other signs of a clogged plumbing system.
In my experience, gurgling sounds from the toilet, slow drains, and foul odors are clear signs that your vent stack might be blocked. Addressing these early can prevent more significant plumbing issues down the line.
| Symptoms | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gurgling sounds | Inadequate airflow due to blockage causes water to fight against higher pressure, leading to sputtering sounds from the toilet when flushed. |
| Slow draining | Rising pressure in the drainpipe slows down the draining process, indicating a blocked or undersized vent. |
| Sewer gas smells | High pressure in the drain forces water out of traps, allowing sewer gases to enter the building. |
a. There is a sound of gurgling and sputtering from the toilet
The inadequate airflow due to the vent size or blockage is causing the pressure of the plumbing to be higher than the air pressure in the bathroom. Therefore, when the toilet is flushed, it causes sputters and gurgles because water fights against a higher pressure.
Read also: Should Roof Vent Pipe be Covered?
b. The draining process goes slowly
One sign of a clogged vent pipe is the draining process going slowly. This indicates a problem in the plumbing system, often leading to a clogged drain that requires drain cleaning or intervention from a professional.
The rising pressure in the drainpipe is causing the water to drain at a slower rate. Thus, the sinks and tubs are draining slowly, which indicates a blocked, clogged, or undersized vent.
c. Strong gas smell from the sewer
All plumbing drains are equipped with traps to allow the water to block sewer gases from entering the building. If the pressure in the drain is too high, the water will pour out. It leaves the gases and their odors to penetrate the inside part of the building.
How to Clean Vent Pipe on Roof
Understanding how the plumbing vents process is going is important before focusing on how to unclog the vent pipe on the roof. A plumbing vent is designed to manage the air pressure on the system, help the air stream from the drain, and eliminate gas and smells by allowing fresh air to enter the home.
- To solve your problem with blocked vent pipes, start by safely placing a ladder to access the roof. Wear rubber gloves and appropriate safety gear. Extra caution is needed if the vent pipe is made of materials like cast iron. If unsure, it’s best to contact a professional. Ensure that the ladder’s feet are planted firmly on the ground. Whenever I work unclogging a vent pipe, I prioritize safety by wearing non-slip shoes and ensuring the ladder is stable. It’s crucial to avoid working alone on the roof, as having someone assist can prevent accidents.
- Prepare a garden hose and screwdriver and bring them when you climb onto the roof. The garden hose sprays water into the vent while the screwdriver unscrews the vent’s cap if there is one.
- Examine the opening vent. Look for debris or leaves collected inside. Clearing these obstacles allows you to restore air circulation.
- Set your hose to the ‘full’ or ‘jet’ options. Spray to the vent’s opening directly if you see any visible hindrance. The water can clear the collected debris or animals that might be dead and trapped inside. It will fill the pipe and disclose the opening. If this method fails, you might need a more aggressive method to free the blockage. I’ve used a plumber’s snake or a pressure washer to dislodge stubborn blockages in more challenging cases. While a garden hose works for minor debris, these tools are essential for more severe clogs.
- If these steps to unclog a drain from the roof went successfully, the water would start to drain down the pipes.
When attempting to unclog a vent pipe on your roof, it’s important to understand the layout of your plumbing system. If you’re dealing with an older system, especially one with cast iron pipes, the clog might be more challenging to remove.
In such cases, it’s advisable to call a professional for assistance. Having dealt with older plumbing systems, especially those with cast iron pipes, I’ve learned that some clogs require professional intervention. Attempting to unclog such systems without expertise can lead to further damage.
You might encounter this blockage issue at least once if you live in a place with a frigid climate. To tip you how to unclog vent pipe on the roof, try to use hot water for persistent debris but be careful not to let hot water wash over you.
