How to Check Plumbing Vents

Vents are important parts of plumbing waste systems.

You'll know this is happening when you hear gurgling sounds from adjacent drains when you release water into one that isn't vented. The gurgling is caused by the movement of the water in the traps as air rushes by.

1. Use a ladder to climb onto the roof or up the side of the house. Inspect the openings of the vents. Unlike gas vents, which are made of galvanized metal, plumbing vents are made from 2-inch plastic pipe. They usually extend through the roof above the bathroom. It is common for the openings to become obstructed by leaves, sticks or even dead birds. Clear away any obstructions you find.

2. Spray a jet of water down from a garden hose into the openings of vents you suspect are clogged to clear obstructions. If there are leaves or dirt collecting in elbows in the vent line, the water will move them along into the drain. Have someone listen for the sound of water spraying in the wall while you do this. If you hear suspicious sounds, or smell sewer gases, uncover the wall to inspect the vent line. It may be disconnected or broken.

3. Use a plumbing snake to loosen obstructions if the water backs up to the vent opening. Insert the end of the snake into the hole and unwind it, pushing it in until it encounters an obstacle. Turn the handle of the snake to work it through the obstacle. Periodically reel the snake back out of the vent to remove debris that may have collected on the end.

4. Install an in-line vent in any drain you suspect may be insufficiently vented. It is a plastic fitting that you can install like a coupling. Cut through the drain line with a hacksaw between the P-trap and the wall and glue the vent into the line with the vent cap facing up.

Tip

You can prevent debris from obstructing plumbing vents by fitting caps onto the openings.

Warning

An in-line vent is an emergency fix only. It is not code-compliant and should not be used in place of vent lines in new construction.

If you leave venting problems uncorrected, you may end up with dry P-traps, which will allow sewer gases into your house.