How to Clean Sewer Vents
The sewer vent — or plumbing vent — is a key component for proper plumbing function. It allows oxygen to flow into the house's plumbing system and vents out dangerous gases from the sewer. When a sewer vent becomes clogged, it interferes with your home's plumbing and can possibly cause sewer gases to leak into your home. Because of the vent's location, most clogs are caused by rocks, sticks and other common outdoor objects. Luckily, cleaning out these obstructions will restore your plumbing to normal function. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Extension ladder
- Work boots
- Flashlight
- Garden hose
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Instructions
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Put on a pair of work boots or other footwear with thick treads. This will prevent you from slipping. For added safety, stay away from wet areas on the roof. Extend the ladder high enough to reach the roof and have an assistant hold the ladder in place. Climb up onto the roof.
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Find the sewer vent. It is a pipe made of metal or plastic with a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. It extends 12 to 20 inches from your roof, and is generally set up above your bathroom. Once you find it, remove the lid with your hands.
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Look down the vent. Aim your flashlight down the pipe and look for any objects or debris that may be clogging the pipe.
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Insert the garden hose into the vent and turn it on at full strength. This will clean out any material that is clogging up the pipe. If necessary, use the hose itself to loosen any debris.
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Listen to the pipe. A sudden, loud noise indicates that clog has been forced out of the pipe.
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Tips & Warnings
Never neglect safety equipment, because falling off a roof can cause serious injury or even death.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
