When you think about the plumbing inside your home, you generally think of the pipes inside your walls and in the floors. But did you know that part of your plumbing actually sticks up through the top of your roof?
If you've ever seen pipes sticking out the top of your roof and wondered what those were, they are called plumbing vents, or vent stacks, and they are designed to act as outlets for air pressure in your plumbing. These vertical pipes connect from your plumbing system up to the roof of your home.
Though not directly involved in the transportation of water or waste, their role in maintaining the overall functionality of your plumbing system is important and they need to function properly.
Your plumbing has mechanisms in place that block out dangerous sewer gas from coming through your pipes and into your home. Specifically, your piping has a trap inside it that stores away a small bit of water at all times. This water acts as a sort of shield that keeps the sewer gas at bay.
But no trap system is completely failproof. If a large amount of water is flowing through your pipes at one time, pushed along by both gravity and air, the resulting suction can pull that water out of the trap.
That means that your shield of water is in danger of being reduced or disappearing entirely. That’s where your plumbing vent system comes into play. It allows the air to be vented out, preventing suction from occurring and keeping the water shield in place.
Plumbing vents serve to remove sewer gas from your home. Without venting, these odorous and potentially harmful gases could seep into your living spaces, creating unpleasant and unsafe conditions. Plumbing vents expel these gases safely out through the roof and into the atmosphere, protecting your family.
Plumbing vents also help maintain the proper atmospheric pressure in your plumbing system. By allowing air to enter the pipes, they ensure water flows smoothly and efficiently through the drain pipes without any gurgling or slow drainage, essentially enabling the system to breathe.
Without this balance of air pressure, we would frequently experience issues such as slow drains, gurgling sounds, or even that dreaded sewer gas smell.
Plumbing vents serve an essential purpose in your home, so keeping them clear and in working order is essential. Since plumbing vents are exposed to outside elements, over time they can become clogged with leaves or other debris.
A clogged vent can cause gases to build up in your plumbing and create pressure, eventually clogging up your pipes. You want to keep an eye out to make sure they remain unobstructed at all times.
The maintenance of plumbing vents is typically straightforward. Regular inspections should be part of your home maintenance routine. A visual check of the plumbing vent on your roof for any blockages, such as leaves, bird nests, or other debris, can help prevent problems.
On occasion, you might need to clear the vent opening. In the colder months, be watchful for any ice or snow blockages, as these can cause serious issues.
While maintaining your plumbing vents can often be a simple task, it's not always a DIY job. So, when should you call a plumber?
If you notice a consistent foul smell coming from your drains, a persistent gurgling sound, or slow draining sinks or bathtubs despite attempts to unclog them, it's time to call a plumber you can trust to diagnose what's causing the problem.
These issues could be indicative of a blocked or malfunctioning plumbing vent.
If you're unable to clear a blockage from your vent stack on the roof, don't hesitate to call United Plumbing. Not only can the task be dangerous due to the height and potential weather conditions, but forcing the blockage could inadvertently lead to further damage.
It's also wise to call a plumber if you're planning any major home renovations. Any significant alterations, especially those that involve the plumbing system, should always consider the impact on your plumbing vents.
Are you unsure whether you’re dealing with a clogged vent or a clog elsewhere in your pipes? Is there a plumbing issue causing you problems that you don’t know how to tackle? Trying to handle the job yourself can be costly and time consuming.
Call on the professionals here at United Plumbing. We’re available 24/7, day or night, rain or shine, to help with any plumbing problems you have.