How to Tell if Your Plumbing Is Clogged

Gurgling toilets. Slow drains. Strong sewage odors.

These are all things a homeowner dreads.

But the solution may be over your head. Literally.

Many people don’t think about the plumbing vent on their roof when they are faced with problems such as those. They usually think of the plumbing drain as the natural culprit.

Plumbing vents, or vent stacks, are on your roof and usually located over every room with plumbing. They regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system to help water flow through the drainpipes. They also help rid your home of noxious sewer odors.

It’s a very important part of the plumbing system and it can become clogged.

Warning signs

If your toilet or sink gurgles when you flush or drain water, there is a chance your plumbing vent is clogged. When air can’t escape your plumbing system, it collects in the plumbing and exits in your drains when you flush, causing gurgling noises.

Another warning sign is a smelly bathroom or sink. The air vent allows sewer odors to escape into the air, so if you are smelling bad odors when you shouldn’t, it may be a sign of a clog.

Finally, if all your drains are sluggish, it may be a sign of a vent stack clog because they can’t properly regulate the air pressure. Of course, this could also be a sign of other plumbing issues, so it should be checked by a professional.

What to do if your plumbing vents are clogged

If you are comfortable heading up to your roof, you can take a quick look to see if the clog is superficial. Leaves, animal nests and other debris could be clogging the top of the pipe. However, if the clog is deeper, a call to a plumbing professional may be necessary. They have the right equipment to diagnose your issue and get into the venting system to release the clog.

Your Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning are always happy to help you diagnose your plumbing issues. If you suspect that your vent stack is clogged, give us a call to schedule a consultation.