What To Know About Plumbing Drain Vent Clogs

Do you have a problem with your home's plumbing with the drains moving very slowly? The problem may actually be with your drain vents. Here is what you know about clogs in your drain vents.

What Is A Plumbing Vent?

A plumbing vent plays an incredibly key role in your home's plumbing system. The ventilation pipe runs outside your home, typically on the roof, and is where all of the gas from the sewage escapes. Without the plumbing vent, the gasses can get stuck in your home and cause your plumbing to smell quite bad and cause health problems. For instance, hydrogen sulfide is known to irritate your nose and eyes.

The vent also lets air into the pipe so that it can get into the sewage drain system. Oxygen plays a role in breaking down aerobic bacteria found inside a sewage pipe, which helps break down waste. The air also creates pressure in the plumbing system so that waste gets pushed out to the main city sewer system or a septic tank. Without air, your plumbing doesn't form a vacuum that allows the entire system to operate. Some houses only use a single vent for a plumbing system, but your home may have multiple vents

How Are Clogs Removed From A Plumbing Vent?

A plumber can use two techniques to help clean out a clogged plumbing vent. They may try to use vent flushing, which is ideal for getting rid of branches, leaves, dirt, and other debris that has found its way into a ventilation pipe. The plumber actually forces water into the ventilation pipe to push it out to the sewer or septic tank. If something large is stuck in the ventilation pipe, such as an animal, they must be removed by pulling them out before attempting vent flushing.

Vent snaking is another method that can be used. It helps break up debris that could be causing a clog by forcing a spinning blade on a cable into the ventilation pipe. Using a snake takes a lot of skill, which is why it is a task that is best handled by a plumber. They know the technique for forcing the snake into a pipe, and how to maneuver it to break up debris.

If you have odors in your home and slow moving drains, it is time to reach out to plumbing services about cleaning out your clogged plumbing vents.