How to Locate Plumbing Vents
Plumbing vents are installed on rooftops as a way of ensuring that liquids flow freely inside pipes. The vents allow air into the pipes and prevent a vacuum effect from clogging the lines as they drain. Plumbing vents also allow sewage gases to escape safely outside. Plumbing vents, also known as "vent stacks," protrude from the roof of your home. Identifying which vents are connected to which drains requires the use of two people as well as access to the rooftop. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a ladder against the side of the house and climb onto the roof. For safety, have another person hold the ladder in place while you climb.
-
2
Walk along the roof and look for pipes that protrude from the shingles. Any open pipe on the roof is connected to a drain inside the house.
-
-
3
Have a helper hold the pipe that connects under the sink or other fixture that you want to identify the vent for.
-
4
Walk along the roof and gently tap several times on the various vent stacks. Your helper will feel the vibrations from the tapping in the drainpipe when you tap on the vent that's connected to that pipe.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Two-way radios make it easy to hear each other as you move from vent pipe to vent pipe.
Never stand on the top rung of the ladder as you climb onto the roof.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
