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March 11,2019

Clearing Your Clogged Plumbing Vent

Are you having issues with your plumbing, but you can't find any clogged drains or pipes? Sometimes, the culprit is the plumbing vent. Since the plumbing vent is located on top of the house, many homeowners forget that this vital part of their plumbing exists, making it easy to neglect. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we enjoy helping our Youngstown, Ohio area customers find new ways to keep their pipes flowing freely. If you're having plumbing vent problems, follow these tips for trouble free flushes and fast draining sinks.

What Kind of Problems Can a Clogged Plumbing Vent Cause?

Having a clogged plumbing vent can create a few different issues for homeowners. Ghost flushes, gurgling toilets, improperly draining sinks and tubs and foul smells are just a few of the symptoms to watch out for. If you notice one or more of these signs in your house, and you've ruled out a normal clog, then your vent may in fact be clogged.

How do Plumbing Vents Get Clogged in the First Place?

You may think it's strange for a plumbing vent to get clogged, considering that sewer line debris goes down, not up. However, the vent can become blocked for a variety of reasons. Small birds may choose your vent as the perfect nesting ground for their babies. Rodents and pests may fall into the vent and become trapped. Trash, leaves and other debris could blow into it during a windy storm. In the winter time, excess water can drain into the vent from your roof and freeze overnight. Or, even tennis balls, golf balls and baseballs can find their way into the vent system.

Steps for Safely Removing a Plumbing Vent Clog

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Unfortunately, removing a plumbing vent clog requires that someone climb onto the roof. Keep in mind that this can be extremely dangerous, so the homeowner should use extra precautions to avoid personal injury if they are going to attempt a DIY removal. Don't climb on your roof if you don't have the appropriate safety equipment or if the roof tiles might be frozen or slick. Before performing the clog removal, you'll need to gather the necessary supplies: a flashlight, plumbers snake and garden hose. Use the light to look inside the vent for signs of the clog. If you can reach it with your hand, then try to take the blockage out. Be sure to wear gloves. If it's further down, you may need to use the garden hose. Place the hose down into the vent pipe, and have a friend or family member turn on the water from the yard. Listen for whirling sounds or signs of a backup. Sometimes the weight of the water itself will force the clog down into the drain line. If the clog is caused by frozen water, then you'll need to use a hot water safe hose and warm water to melt the ice.

Do You Have a Clogged Plumbing Vent? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown

If you're uncomfortable performing the task on your own, are low on time or still experience problems afterward then it's advised that you call a professional plumber with experience removing vent clogs. Do you live in Youngstown, Poland, Liverpool, Boardman, Howland Corners, Girard, Austintown, Struthers, Warren, Champion, Niles, Ohio; Ellwood City or Hermitage, Pennsylvania? Then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown today to schedule an appointment with a certified, licensed and insured plumber in your neighborhood.

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