The Importance of Cleaning Your Plumbing Vents

Colorado homeowners know that their homes need regular maintenance to function properly. One area of the home that is often overlooked is the plumbing vent system. The vents play an important role in your home’s plumbing system and should be cleaned on a regular basis.

Most homeowners don't give their plumbing vents a second thought—that is, until something goes wrong. Clogged or dirty vents can cause all sorts of problems, from slow drains to foul odors.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at what plumbing vents are, how they work, and why it's so important to keep them clean.

 

What are Plumbing Vents?

Plumbing vents are pipes that allow air to enter the drainage system and help prevent negative pressure from building up inside the pipes. While drainage pipes carry waste out of your home, vent pipes supply air to the plumbing fixtures in your house which helps the water flow smoothly through the drain pipes.

Without these vents, your drains would become clogged more easily and sewage could back up into your home.  The plumbing vent system in your home also helps to remove sewer gas and odors from the house.

There are several types of plumbing vents, but there are two main vents that are commonly used in most houses.

The True Vent is a pipe that leads upward and connects to your drainage line. This type of vent is the most popular, and it doesn't serve as a waterway--instead, air circulates through it from the roof.

The Re-Vent pipe or Auxillary Vent attaches to the drain line or behind the plumbing fixture, running up and over to the central vent that goes to the roof.

 

How Do Plumbing Vents Work?

Plumbing vents allow air to enter the drain pipes so that sewage can flow freely through the pipes and into the sewer system. Without adequate ventilation, drains can become clogged because the lack of air prevents sewage from flowing properly.

Additionally, without ventilation, sewer gas can build up inside the house, which can be dangerous to your health. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your plumbing vents are clear and unobstructed.

Plumbing vents work by allowing air to enter the drainage system and equalizing the pressure inside the pipes. When water flows down the drain, it creates a vacuum that can cause clogs. Plumbing vents break the vacuum by allowing air to enter the system, which prevents clogs from forming.

 

Why You Should Keep Them Clean

It’s important to keep your plumbing vents clean because dirt, debris, and other objects can block the vent pipe and prevent air from entering the system. When this happens, air can't flow freely through the pipes and negative pressure can build up.

This can cause clogs and other problems with your drains. Additionally, blocked vent pipes can cause sewer gas to leak into your home, which can be hazardous to your health.  Regular cleaning will help keep your vents clear and prevent these problems from occurring.

Another potential problem with plumbing vents is that they can become frozen in cold weather. When this happens, air cannot flow through the pipes and drains can become clogged. Additionally, frozen vents can cause sewer gas to build up inside your home, which can be dangerous to your health. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your vents during cold weather and take steps to prevent them from freezing if necessary.

 

As a Colorado homeowner, it's important to be aware of all the different parts of your home that need regular maintenance—and your plumbing vents should definitely be on that list. These essential components play a vital role in keeping your drains clear and preventing sewage backup—but only if they're kept clean! So be sure to add vent cleaning to your regular home maintenance routine. Your drains will thank you!

If you have any questions about cleaning your plumbing vents or if you need assistance with any other plumbing maintenance tasks, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help!