Plumbing Vent: How To Clear Clogged Vents

Drains draining slowly? Seems to take forever for that water to make it out of the sink? You are describing the symptoms of clogged plumbing vents. Vents can become clogged if they aren't situated well and they can become plugged with debris. Here's how to clear those clogged vents.

1. Get yourself an extension ladder and a roof ladder 2. Set the ladder up so that you can gain access to the vent, usually located on the room. Not sure what you are looking for? The vent is usually a 3 or 4 inch diameter metal or plastic pipe that sits about a foot above the roof. It is commonly found near the bathroom area. 3. Get your roof ladder in place so you can work by the vent. This is a very safe way to work on your vent. Make sure you bring a good flashlight with you. 4. Take your flashlight and shine it down the vent pipe looking for debris that could be clogging the vent. 5. If you see debris plugging the vent there are a few ways to resolve your problem. You can use your garden hose. Bring it up onto the roof. Put it into the vent turned on and then listen for the whoosh after the debris is forced out. You can also buy an attachment that is designed for unclogging plugged toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. It works great! Or you can also use a plumber's snake rather than the hose if you like.

Never walk on your roof without a safety line attached to you and be very cautious as roofs can be quite slippery and the footing is poor. Cleaning your roof isn't supposed to turn into a tragedy.

For your sewer system to operate safely and correctly it must be properly vented. This vent line carries sewer gasses out of your house and out through the roof. Depending on the size of your house you may have several vents.

If the vents are correctly installed the chance of clogging diminishes so always try to have the vents correctly placed. Of course if you aren't building your own home this may not be an option.

Clogged vents are not only annoying with slow draining drains they can also pose a safety risk because the gasses are not properly being removed from the house. So be sure your plumbing vents are clear.