How to Clear Main Vents & Soil Stacks
When the clog goes further than just your toilet, you know you're in trouble. When a main vent or soil stack gets clogged, it takes know-how and tools to clear the drains. Here are the basics of how to get those drains running again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Locate the soil stack. This will be somewhere in the wall, normally behind one of the toilets in the house.
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2
Cut open the wall with a sawsall to expose the soil stack and vent pipe. Check the condition of the stack and determine if it's time to replace it.
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3
Open the junction covers to access the soil stack and vent pipe. If you have difficulty removing the cover, use oil to loosen it.
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4
Use an auger to clear the blockage. Sometimes called a "snake," this is a handy tool to have around. To use your snake, push it into the pipe until you meet some resistance. Turn the crank to push the corkscrew end into the clog. Push or pull the snake to loosen the clog.
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Run clear water into the system. A hose will be helpful not only to get the water to the pipe, but also the force of the water coming out of the hose will help move things down the line.
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6
Replace the junction cover and disinfect the surrounding area.
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7
Fix the wall. Since you might have to gain access to the soil stack again, make an access panel instead of replacing the drywall.
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Tips & Warnings
Sewer gases have methane in them and are flammable and toxic. If you're unfamiliar with these gases, ask a professional to do the job.
