What Is a Plumbing Vent Pipe?
As any homeowner knows, plumbing issues can arise quickly and without warning. Sometimes they seem minor, and it can be hard to resist the temptation to tackle it yourself. That can get dicey, though, when some of the more complex aspects of your home plumbing system start acting up.
Your home's plumbing vent pipes could be the source of the problem. Blockages are challenging to detect at first, and many homeowners aren't aware of their functions. Here are some things you should know about your plumbing vent pipes.
What Are Plumbing Vent Pipes?
Plumbing vent pipes, also known as stacks, help regulate air pressure and quality in your home's plumbing system. They release undesirable gas and odors from your drain pipes, which is why they often run up to the roof, far from any path back into the home. They also assist in the ease of water flow through the pipes by maintaining the correct pressure level.
Your vent system works in tandem with your home's drainage functions. As waste exits the home through drainage pipes, your plumbing vent pipes distribute fresh air to the toilets and sinks in use. This allows for rapid flow and no foul odors. No actual liquid travels through your plumbing vents.
What Prevents Your Plumbing Vent Pipes From Flowing?
Several things could clog or impede your vent pipes.
- Debris and wet leaves from trees
- Birds, squirrels, other vermin, and their nests
- A frozen or otherwise malfunctioning vent cap
When blockages like these occur, water flow through your entire home can be affected. Your drainage pipes could stop working correctly as well. At first, your vent pipe issues may seem like ordinary stoppages that you could fix with a plunger. If the underlying vent issue is not corrected, however, the problems will only worsen.
How Do I Know If Something's Wrong With My Plumbing Vent Pipes?
There are a few telltale signs that there may be a problem with your vent pipes.
- Noises from other appliances when you flush the toilet - You may begin to notice sinks and bathtubs make strange noises when you flush.
- Rotting smells coming from drains - One of the primary functions of the vent pipes is to disperse foul waste odors. If they're not performing this task, you'll notice quickly.
- Gurgling sounds from sinks and drains - Even when otherwise operating correctly, pay attention to any unusual sounds. This could develop into still-water pooling in your sinks and tubs.
If you've noticed any of these things happening in your home, don't gamble on a DIY solution; contact an expert at Command Service Center today. We can identify any problems with your home's plumbing vent pipes and work quickly to remedy them.