How to Tell if Your Plumbing Vent Is Clogged
Filed under: Plumbing
Most plumbing emergencies are very visible, like a leak, clogged toilet, burst pipe, or sewage backup in a shower or sink, and warrant a call to the plumber. There are, however, plumbing issues not as obvious, and they just haven’t turned into a severe problem yet. These minor problems tend to turn into expensive repairs and replacements down the road if not addressed immediately. One of these seemingly minor and undetected issues is a clogged vent stack. Below we explore the signs and symptoms of a clogged plumbing vent and when you might need a plumbing stack replacement or repair.
What Are Plumbing Vents?
Your sewer system consists of several parts, including the drain pipe, vent pipes, and vent stack. The drain pipes take water and waste from your home. The plumbing vents serve two primary purposes in your plumbing system:
- Releases noxious sewer gases outside
- Regulates the air pressure in your plumbing system
Without these vents, water, and waste would build up inside the pipes and not be able to move efficiently. The plumbing vent pipe is vertical and attaches to the drain line, where it runs through the roof of your home. The pipe leading to your roof is called the vent stack. The vent stack helps maintain the air pressure in your waste system and channels the toxic gases to the vent. So how do you know when this vent is clogged? Your plumbing system will display a few telltale signs:
Gurgling Toilets and Drains
If you’ve heard a gurgling sound coming from your toilet or drains after flushing, this could be a sign that your plumbing vent is clogged. With a clogged plumbing vent, air can’t escape your plumbing system properly, so it finds the next nearest exit—typically your toilets or drains—which causes the gurgling noise as the air rushes out.
Strong Sewage Smells
Strong odors from your drains are another sign your plumbing vents might be clogged. The smell is usually caused by toxic sewer gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. When a blockage occurs, sewer gases can’t escape and may re-enter your home through the drains. Not only does this create a gross smell, but these gases can also be dangerous to your health. Call a professional right away if you smell something off in your home.
Slow Moving Drains
While a slow-moving drain can stem from several issues, one pertains to a clogged plumbing vent. If the vent is clogged, it can’t properly regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system, which keeps things flowing smoothly.
Plumbing Stack Replacement and Vent Stack Installation With Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Your sewer line is one of the most critical components of your property’s plumbing system. The sewer line is underground, and because of this, many homeowners fail to realize that something is wrong until it’s too late. Damaged, clogged, or ignored sewer stacks can cause severe property damage and significant health risks if not taken care of immediately by a professional. While your sewer stack is typically a maintenance-free component of your property when something goes wrong, a disruption in your plumbing system will ensue, and you’ll notice right away because of the horrible smell. Whether you are looking for a reliable master plumber to do a vent stack repair, are interested in cracked sewer pipe repairs, or need a vent stack installation, contact the experts at Fosh today for all your plumbing needs.
