What Happens If Vent Pipe is Clogged

  

  

Your commercial building consists of various components that require regular maintenance. The cables, wirings, plumbing pipes, ductworks, and other components protect and provide for the needs of all occupants inside the structure. Having an issue with even one of these vital parts will bring inconvenience and might compromise the structural integrity of your property.  

 
 

  

About Plumbing Vents  

  

  

Water produces a vacuum in plumbing pipes as it travels through them. It requires air to drive the water through the lines and replenish the void it causes. The vent stack, also known as a plumbing vent or air vent, regulates air pressure and allows air to enter the plumbing system, which forces water through the pipes. It also eliminates the fumes and smells that wastewater might produce.  

  

 
 

Vent stacks are prone to blockage due to their exposure to external debris and particles such as dust, leaves, moisture, and other organic matter that can cause an obstruction. When a blockage occurs, it can lead to backflow and foul odors near your plumbing fixtures. 

 
 

Signs of Clogged Plumbing Vents 

 
 

Plumbing vents are among the most vulnerable components in your commercial building. Due to their placement and exposure to the elements, these vents require many building owners to pay costly annual repair fees. One way of avoiding expensive repairs is by identifying potential plumbing issues before they cause extensive damage. 
 

Here are the common plumbing issues to look for when you have clogged vent pipes:  

  

Bad Odors  

  

  

The foul odors you'd expect from a clogged sewer line can indicate a blocked vent stack. Toxic sewage gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are frequently to blame as hydrogen sulfide has a rotten egg odor. However, methane is the most common and hazardous of all sewer gases since it can cause adverse health issues such as nausea and headaches. In addition, large amounts of methane are highly combustible. 

  

  

The combination of foul odors near fixtures and experiencing the mild symptoms of methane poisoning are clear indications of a block on your plumbing vents. The vent's decreased air pressure can entirely drain the drainpipes. As a result, the plumbing P-traps begin to dry out.  

 
 

P-traps are an essential part of your roof vent since they help hold and prevent sewer gases from passing through pipes and dwellings. They retain a small amount of water in a slight dip, which acts as a seal for the gases.  

 
 

The seal would then trap the sewer fumes. However, if the p-trap does not receive any water, it will not be able to form a seal. If there isn't a seal, hazardous sewage drain gases could overflow into the pipes inside your building.  

  

  

Draining Takes Some Time  

  

 
 

Slow drainage is also an indication of a blocked vent stack. The debris blocking the vent prevents air from entering and pushing water out of drainage pipes, leading to slow drainage flow in your bathroom and kitchen fixtures.  

  

  

However, slow drainage can also signify drain pipe obstruction if you're having trouble with a single drain. If you cannot resolve the issue using a plumber and if the slow pull occurs in various areas in your building, then the source of the problem lies on your clogged vent stack. 

  

  

Clearing a blocked plumbing vent can be easy if the blockage is at the vent's entrance. Clear the obstruction in the duct if it is possible to climb to your roof. Once removed, check if the problematic drains are now working correctly. If not, a clog formation may be present inside the drain pipes, vent, or both.  

  

  

You can install access doors and panels, like a steel insulated access door, to make your ascent to your roof area safe and convenient. It can help you when you or your personnel need to do maintenance work on the site. It is far better than merely climbing up to your roof using ladders at the side of the building.   

  

  

Odd Sounds as You Drain the Water  

  

  

You could blame a clogged vent if any of your drains produce gurgle-like noises as water leaves them. The clog makes it difficult for air to pass into the exit. As a result, the air takes longer to fill the vacuum created by circulating water. You may notice gurgling sounds in the pipes, which is a positive sign of obstruction. A partial obstruction within the lines themselves could also be the source of the problem.  

  

  

Empty and Dry Toilet Tanks  

  

  

Remember that the vent stack in your building's plumbing system controls air pressure. When there is an obstruction, it reduces the air pressure or even eliminates it. Water will not stay where it should, in your toilet tank, but will travel down the line. When your toilet tank does not refill, it's usually due to a blocked vent stack.  

  

  

Final Thoughts  

  

  

These are indicators that you may be suffering from an obstructed plumbing vent. If you notice any of these signs, immediately inspect the roof vent opening. Otherwise, call a professional plumber so that they can repair or clear the obstruction. Remember that blocked plumbing air vents can lead to backflows and harmful gas emissions.  

 

Call us Today! 

  

Maintaining your building's exposed components can be tedious and sometimes dangerous if you don't have access doors and panels installed. Visit Best Access Doors if you need to learn more about such products. We have a categorized list that can provide the information you need to select the best option for your setting. You can call (800) 483-0823 if you have more inquiries.