A plumbing vent is little more than a pipe that runs from a plumbing fixture up through the roof of the home. In very simple terms, this pipe allows air pressure to escape from the plumbing system. Contrary to what many people believe, its primary purpose is NOT to let air into the pipes. If you stop for a moment to think about it, every drain in the home is open. Air doesn’t have any trouble getting into the pipes to help gravity force the water through the plumbing. At Benicia Plumbing we are experts on how to repair and maintain plumbing vents, so here is some useful information about them on our blog.
Without a vent to allow pressure to escape from the plumbing system, harmful sewer gases can build up and make it difficult for water to move through the pipes efficiently. A clogged plumbing vent creates problems not because it doesn’t allow air in, but because it won’t let it out.
Vents, Traps, and Suction
When water flows down a drain, air and gravity cooperate to push it through the pipes. However, they do their job a little too well. Most drains in a building incorporate a trap of some kind, which introduces a low point in the drain that remains filled with water after the basin is emptied. The purpose of this trap is to prevent harmful sewer gases from drifting up through the drain and into the house, where they could make the occupants sick. By keeping the trap filled with water, the sewer gases are blocked inside the pipe.
But without a vent behind the drain to allow air to escape as the water pushes through the trap, a suction effect will form inside the pipe and pull too much water into the sewer line. This often leaves the trap only half full, which allows those dangerous gases to make their way into the home. A properly functioning vent is therefore crucial to a healthy plumbing system.
My Vent is Blocked. Now What?
Unfortunately, vents all too often become blocked. Exposed to the outside elements, they make attractive nests for birds and rodents and can also become blocked with leaves or other debris. When a vent becomes blocked, it allows gasses to build up inside the vent, which will eventually exert downward pressure on the plumbing system. At a certain point, the pipes will become so backed up with water and gas that nothing can move through them any longer.
Here are a few telltale signs of a possible blocked vent:
- Gurgling sounds coming from the drains.
- Standing water in the sink or bathtub.
- Slow drains in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Sewage odor coming from the drain.
Maintaining your home’s plumbing vents is critical to keeping your plumbing system working properly. If you have your pipes inspected regularly, be sure to ask your plumber about the status of your vents to ensure that water keeps flowing and hazardous sewer gases stay out of your home. And if you should encounter any problems with your vents, be sure to contact an
About Benicia Plumbing
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