Unclogging A Plumbing Vent

The problems with the drainage function of the kitchen sinks or the bathroom sinks indicate a fault in the sink traps, drain pipe or the plumbing vents.

Once no potential problem is detected in the sink trap or the drain pipe then the attention shifts to the plumbing vents.

Plumbing vents are the plumbing devices or fragments that allow the waste gases produced from the said waste to escape out of the building. Also it supplies oxygen to the drainage system which in turn fuels the aerobic sewage digestion. Hence they complement the overall working of the plumbing traps and the drainage pipes.

Generally the vents are located at the roof in the form of a metal or a plastic pipe of 3-4 inches in diameter. It extends up to 2 feet above the roof surface and vents out all the gases from the drainage system.

To clean out all the debris and foreign materials from the vent, move to the vent site. Take an extension ladder and set it up inclined to the roof. Since you have to inspect the vent from the roof surface only hence it becomes mandatory to double check whether the roof surface is rigid enough to carry your weight. If your roof is a saturated one then standing on the roof may prove very risky. In such a case the examination could be performed by an expert who would possess necessary tools and techniques to reach out to the vent.

Alternatively you can employ an additional roof ladder such that it rests on the ridge from one side and hooked to the extension ladder from the other end. Consequently this would reduce your weight resting on the roof. Make sure that both the ends of the single ladder are placed well and firm.

Once you've reached the vent put the beam of a torch into the vent to locate any clog. Insert a long bamboo stick or a rigid metal rod to break apart any clog in the form of debris, leaves and other foreign materials. A deeper clog however has to be eliminated by a hose pipe. The force of the water would drain down any such clog into the drainage.

Alternatively hose-pipe can be used as a plumber's snake to deal with a rigid clog.

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