Modern plumbing is a distinguishing factor between first and third world countries. Modern pluming prevents people from getting avoidable illnesses caused by poor drainage and sewage in their homes.
Although plumbing might seem simple and looks like only one pipe that carries your sewage outside of your house, it is actually a complex system of pipes working together. Pipes and vents working together keep your home smelling pleasant and keep you safe.
What happens if you start to smell sewer odors in your home? Or what happens if you start to hear gurgling sounds from the drains and toilets? A blocked vent outlet could be a problem.
Don’t worry. Read on. You will find all the information you need about plumbing venting problems below.
What are plumbing vents and vent pipes?
The plumbing vent pipe allows gas or odors to exit your house. Plumbing vents are also crucial in controlling the pressure inside your pipes. Without functioning vents waste and water can’t move efficiently from one location to the next.
You may have noticed small pipes sticking out from the roof. This is your plumbing vent pipe. Vent stack is the name of the pipe leading to your roof vent. The vent stack creates the proper atmosphere pressure for your waste system and gives exhaust gases a place where they can be released.
Your plumbing fixtures also get fresh air through the venting system. The plumbing system can move water through your pipes whenever you flush a toilet or drain a sink.
Signs you have venting problems with plumbing vent
Understanding the importance of plumbing vent pipes will help you to understand what can happen when they stop working. Clogged pipes can cause bad smells and make your house smell bad. You will also notice water pressure problems in your pipes when the vents control the atmosphere pressure. These are signs you may have a problem with your plumbing vent.
Sewer odors
It smells almost like rotten eggs if you have never encountered sewage. Although it is not pleasant to the nose, large amounts of it can cause serious health problems. Your home can smell like sewage if it has a blocked toilet vent pipe. A clogged toilet vent pipe will prevent sewer gases from passing through it, and they can seep into your house. You can smell the methane from your bathroom or sink. It is very dangerous to inhale the methane. This methane is highly combustible, and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you detect a sewage smell in the area, it is best to leave immediately and contact a professional plumber.
Gurgling Sounds
Also, the sewer venting system regulates atmospheric pressure. If the venting system is blocked or broken, this can cause pressure issues in your pipes. After flushing your toilet, you might hear toilet gurgling sounds or noises. Your sink drains may be gurgling. Because the air cannot escape the vents, it will exit from the closest exit. This is usually a toilet or sink.
Slow drains
A clogged drain may also be sign of a plumbing venting problem. If air can’t escape from the vent it builds up and causes things to flow slowly. If you notice a slow draining pipe, you should check the vent. There are many reasons slow drains may occur. One of the most common causes is a blocked plumbing outlet.
How to fix a plumbing venting problems
If you feel confident and agile, you can fix your plumbing problems by yourself. You may need to climb up a roof for some solutions. If you are not confident handling any of the above plumbing venting issues, consult a professional.
These DIY methods will clear your drain.
- Get on top of your roof.
- Place your hand on the vent, and have someone flush the toilet. If you do not feel any suction then you have a blocked vent pipe.
- To remove the blockage, use a plumber’s snake.
- If the plumbing snake fails to work then use a garden hose to flush out the blockage.
- Place your hand on the vent, and ask someone to flush it again. If the clog is gone you will feel suction pressure on the palm of your hand.
Don’t panic if these methods don’t work. This issue can be solved by a professional plumber. If your roof is particularly high, you should call an expert. You will end up spending far more money on repairs after falling off your roof than you would to have a plumber clear the vent.
You should now be able to identify and fix any plumbing venting problems. Your plumbing system is incomplete without a plumbing vent. You will have a smelly and unsafe home without it.
