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The Black Pipe Sticking Out of Your Roof: The Plumbing Vent
July 19, 2018
Have you ever wondered what that black pipe sticking out of your roof is for? If so, you're not alone. Most people have no idea what this pipe is or the importance of it.
What is it exactly? The pipe coming out the top of your roof is a plumbing vent, and it plays an important role in helping your plumbing work properly and keeping your home free from methane gas.
WHAT DOES THE PLUMBING VENT DO?
The plumbing vent is a vertical pipe that runs up through the walls of your home and out of the roof. It connects to the drainage pipe of your home's plumbing system. The pipe leaves your home and leads to the sewage pipe that connects to a septic tank or the public sewer system.
The vent allows air to enter the drainage system, which keeps the pressure even and allows the wastewater to flow out quickly and efficiently. By equalizing the pressure, the roof vent pipe helps to regulate the pressure in the drainpipes, which allows wastewater from your home to flow out into the sewer and eliminate the risk of methane gas from seeping back into your home.
CAN THE PLUMBING VENT CLOG?
Your home depends on the plumbing vent to take the wastewater away from the toilet, sinks, and bathtub, as well as the dishwasher and washing machine. Unfortunately, the roof vent can clog, and when this happens, it becomes a smelly and potentially messy problem.
One of the most common causes for clogged toilets, tubs, and sinks is a blocked roof vent. Common reasons for a clogged vent include:
- Accumulation of leaves that are blocking the entrance
- Bird nests on top or inside of the vent
- Rodents trapped inside the vent
- The vent being unknowingly blocked by humans, such as those doing work on the outside of your home
- Excessive corrosion, which causes the pipe to collapse
If you notice any of these, contact a professional immediately.
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A CLOGGED VENT?
A common sign of a clogged plumbing vent is a gurgling toilet. When a blockage reduces the air coming through the plumbing vent, the pressure in the plumbing will be greater than the air in the bathroom. So when you flush the toilet, the water is fighting against the higher pressure, causing the toilet to sputter and gurgle.
Slow drains are also a common problem resulting from a clogged vent. When you have a higher pressure in the drainpipe, this prevents the water from draining at a normal rate. If your sinks and bathtubs drain slowly and you see no visible clog in the drain, you most likely most have a blocked vent.
The pungent smell of sewer gas is a sure sign of a clogged plumbing vent. When the vent clogs, this reduces the air pressure, which allows the drainpipes to completely empty out, leaving the p-traps dry.
When the p-traps are dry, the water seal, which is designed to block the gases from the waste, allows the gases to escape back into your home. Not only is this smell horrible, but sewer gas can also be hazardous to your health.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH A CLOGGED VENT?
The best solution is to clear away the clog; unfortunately, this isn't always as easy as it sounds. If the clog is visible, such as a bird nest on top of the vent, you should go ahead and remove it. However, if you cannot visibly determine what causes the clog, call a local plumbing service to snake the vent and remove the blockage.
In some situations, your plumber may need to replace the vent pipe with a longer one, which makes it less likely to become blocked. To prevent future blockages, the plumber could easily install a cap on top of the pipe to prevent rodents and debris from falling in.
For help with your blocked plumbing vent, contact
Roto-Rooter Sewer Service.
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