Checking a Vent Pipe for Clogs

Vent pipes are an important component of your home’s plumbing system. A vent pipe lets air into your plumbing, which allows water to travel down through your drains. When the vent is partially or completely clogged, it can cause a vacuum that prevents water from draining properly. If you’re experiencing a plumbing clog but can’t find signs of an actual blockage in your pipes, the problem could be due to a clogged vent pipe instead. Because vent pipes are located on your roof, they may not be easy to access. There are a few other ways you can check for vent pipe clogs without climbing up to your roof if necessary.

Listen for Gurgling

If a vent pipe is only partially clogged, it will only allow limited air to enter your plumbing system at a time. This tends to cause gurgling sounds when water is flowing down through your drains, as air replaces the water more slowly than it should. If you hear gurgling in your pipes as they drain, it likely indicates that you have a clogged vent pipe.

Remove the P-Trap

P-traps prevent sewer gases from escaping up through your drains into your home. If your vent pipe is clogged, removing the P-trap may improve drain flow from the affected fixture and nearby fixtures as well. To remove the P-trap, place a bucket or bowl underneath the affected drain. Twist the nuts holding the trap in place in a counterclockwise direction using your hand or a pair of pliers. Take care when removing the trap, as it may be full of water. Check the trap itself for clogs, then check the drainage from your fixture. If your fixture’s drainage improves without the P-trap and the trap itself is not clogged, your vent pipe is likely the culprit.

If you have a clogged vent pipe, slow drain, or other plumbing issue in Tucson, call Silverado Rooter & Plumbing today at (520) 696-0000. We offer 24-hour plumbing services to keep your home’s plumbing healthy. Click through our website to find out more about us.