How To Know If Your Sewer Vent Pipe Is Clogged

When your drains start acting up and strange smells invade your home, the problem might not be what you expect. A clogged sewer vent pipe is an often unsuspected culprit, but it can silently cause chaos in your plumbing system, leading to bigger issues if ignored.

At Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer, we’ve been helping Englewood homeowners maintain their plumbing systems for years. Not only can you turn to us for sewer line cleaning and repairs, but you can also count on us to share our expertise.

Follow along with our team as we provide tips on how to identify if your sewer vent pipe is clogged and what we can do to help you resolve your concerns.

What Is A Sewer Vent Pipe?

A sewer vent pipe — occasionally referred to as a sewage exhaust pipe — releases gases outside your home and regulates air pressure to ensure that water flows through your pipes properly. It’s often located on your roof, and when working correctly, it prevents gases from backing up into your home.

But what happens if it gets clogged?

When a sewer vent pipe is blocked, gases and water have nowhere to go, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms like slow drains and sewer smells. If left unresolved, the situation could escalate into one requiring more extensive services, such as trenchless sewer line repair.

Signs Your Vent Pipe May Be Clogged

It’s not always easy to spot a clogged vent pipe, but there are a few signs that raise a red flag. Keep an eye — and nose! — out for the following indicators.

Unexplained Sewer Smells

If you’re catching whiffs of sewage in your home, especially around sinks or toilets, it could be due to a clogged vent pipe. The blockage prevents gases from escaping through the vent, allowing them to back up into your home instead.

Gurgling Sounds

A common sign of a clogged vent is a gurgling noise when you flush the toilet or run water in sinks. This happens because trapped air is trying to find its way out, disrupting normal water flow.

Slow Drains

When your vent pipe has a blockage, it can slow down drainage in your sinks, showers and toilets. Without proper air circulation, water can’t flow smoothly through the system, leading to backups and drainage difficulties. In extreme cases, this can lead to overflowing fixtures.

Address Concerns Quickly: A Clogged Sewer Vent Can Lead To Larger Problems

As pressure builds in your plumbing system due to clogs, pipes can develop cracks, leading to sewer backups. When this happens, you may need to explore more comprehensive solutions, like trenchless sewer repair.

Trenchless sewer services are particularly useful when the clog is part of a larger issue, like a collapsed pipe or a blockage deep in your system. Rather than tearing up your yard to access the pipes, trenchless methods allow our team to repair or replace your sewer line without digging, preserving your landscaping and saving time.

At Garvin’s, we specialize in sewer line cleanings and repairs, meaning no matter the scope of your problem, we can offer the support your property needs.

How To Unclog A Sewer Vent Pipe

For minor clogs, it’s possible that DIY methods can resolve the issue. To try this, you can start by locating the vent pipe typically found on your roof. Then, using a garden hose, you can flush out debris from the top down. Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions when working on the roof, as this is dangerous work.

If the clog persists or if you’re uncomfortable handling the situation yourself, it’s time to call in a professional. At Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer, we have the tools and expertise to unclog sewer vents and assess your entire system for larger problems.

Protect Your Home From Sewage Problems

A clogged sewer vent pipe can cause serious issues in your home, but you can stress less with Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer. Whether you need a simple vent cleaning or a more extensive trenchless sewer repair, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a service and let us keep your home’s plumbing in top condition.