A plumbing vent might be your worst problem when it’s clogged. It is a plumbing fixture connected to the roof of the home. The purpose of this pipe is to allow air pressure to escape from the plumbing system through them as against the general misconception that it is primarily designed to allow air in. Without a vent pipe system to allow pressure to leave, harmful sewer gases often build and hamper the flow of water through the pipes.
The problem usually experienced with a clogged plumbing and blocked drains Newcastle is due to the inability of water and air to flow out as against the failure of it to flow in. This article details everything you need to know about a clogged plumbing drain. From the signs to its causes and prevention mechanism, the average cost of unclogging, and the efficient way of unclogging your plumbing pipe system.
If you suspect your plumbing vent is clogged, please call a plumber as soon as possible. If you need further information, visit our website at princetonplumbingpros.com.
Why Do Plumbing Vents Need to be Cleaned?
Plumbing vents need to be cleaned regularly for several reasons. It is advised you clean your plumbing vents as often as every 3-5 years. Some of the reasons why you need to clean your plumbing vents regularly are:
- To ensure trapped debris are well disposed of and prevented from forming clogs deep within the plumbing system.
- It prevents foul sewer gases from making their way into the house.
Signs Your Plumbing Vent Pipe is Clogged
As with most important processes, the clogging process is gradual, and there are signs frequently to notify of the gradual clogging process. Some of these signs are:
- Longer Time for Water to Drain: When water takes unusually long to drain, it’s a sign that there is a significant blockage that needs to be removed to prevent further blockage.
- Dry and Empty Toilet Tanks: Most times, blockages cause water to leak out. When you notice water all over the floor of your home, then there is a blockage somewhere.
- Foul Smells: When you observe a terrible smell coming from the direction of your drainpipe, it’s a sign that your vent pipe might be clogged.
- Strange Sounds as Water Goes down the Drain: When you notice a gurgling-like sound coming from the direction of your drainpipe, it indicates that a clog exists in your drain pipe.
What are the Causes of Clogged Vent Pipes?
Clogged vent pipes are caused by various factors, all caused by the indiscriminate passing of items through it. Some of the indiscriminate things collected over time and causes blockage in vent pipe include the following:
- Nesting or Dead Birds: Most times, birds build their nest on vents due to the serene environment it affords. These nesting materials often make their way into the vents and cause blockage.
- Dead Rodents: Rodents often scurry around and get stuck in vent pipes. They often meet their fate, decompose in the vents, and accumulate over time to cause blockage.
- Household Trash and Garbage: Waste products, leaves inclusive often find their way into pipe vents through air dispersal. These items clog up the vent pipe and are almost impossible to remove.
Preventing Clogged Vent Pipes
Proper prevention of major issues has always been the solution to many problems we face today, and a clogged vent pipe is not an exception. Although clearing vent pipe blockages can be a displeasing process, here are some of the efficient preventive measures to avoid them:
- The use of an open cover or screen system on the end of the vent pipe. This system aims at preventing debris from making its way into the vent pipes and causing a significant blockage
- Routine maintenance of the plumbing vents should be incorporated.
How Much Does it Cost to Unclog a Vent Pipe?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of unclogging a clogged vent pipe drain nationwide in the United States is between the ranges of $130-$180. This costing covers both the cost to find the clog and clear the drain. Although most reputable plumbing companies’ charges range between $50 – $150, this cost usually depends on the severity of the blockage.
How Do You Unclog a Clogged Vent Pipe?
The best and most efficient solution to unclogging your clogged vent pipe is to seek the professional help of a plumber. Most homeowners usually opt for the DIY method in a bid to save cost, and this method usually involves:
- Climbing onto your roof to gain access to the vent. This is the riskiest part of the process, as the roof might be slippery. You should seek the help of a plumber.
- Have an assistant flush the toilet while holding your hand over the vent to feel for suction. The lack of suction indicates a clog in the vent pipe.
- The use of a plumber’s snake to unclog the blockage. If the process is unsuccessful with the plumber’s snake, you can use a garden hose to unclog the leftover blockages.
- Repeat the process for checking for suction while your assistant flushes. Your vent pipe should be clear and rid of the blockages now.
If you try to fix it yourself with no avail, be sure to call an expert local plumber!
What Happens if You Don’t Vent Your Pipe?
There will be a significant loss of water in situations where there is little or no air pressure being supplied from the vent in the drain pipes. As a result of this water loss due to little or no pressure, the water already present in the toilet bowl or tan can flow away, causing inconsistency in the level of water present.
Hire a Plumber Before it’s Too Late!
The importance of using a vent pipe for household plumbing functions cannot be overemphasized. In situations where vent pipes are absent for primary plumbing functions, the trap might be sucked dry, making the fixture not to be appropriately drained.
As crucial as vent pipes are, it is more important to note that clogs in plumbing air vents come dissatisfied with water backups and toxic gases, and this often ends up in severe health damage to the homeowner. To ensure the best possible solution and prevent prospective health hazards, all severe plumbing pipe vents blockage should be handled by a plumber.
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