How to unclog plumbing vents without getting on the roof.

What you need:

• Bucket
• Garden hose
• Plunger
• Protective gloves
• Rain pipe
• Safety glasses

Step 1: Identify the clogged plumbing vent.

First, locate the vent stack. It's a long vertical pipe that usually protrudes from the roof (not to be confused with a rain pipe). You'll know the vent is clogged when you notice gurgling sounds and slow drainage in your plumbing fixtures.

Step 2: Prepare your tools.

Get all your tools and safety gear ready. Always remember to keep your safety top of mind when taking on a DIY project. 

Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Then, simply attach a garden hose to a water source, making sure the connection is secure. Also, make sure it's a really snug fit to allow for more water pressure to build up inside the pipe.

Step 3: Set up for action.

Gently insert your garden hose into the plumbing vent pipe. Place a bucket or other receptacle underneath the vent. The receptacle will catch any water or debris that comes out of the vent or the pipe.

Step 4: Apply water pressure.

Slowly turn on the water. You want to create a steady stream of water into the vent pipe to build up some water and air pressure that will hopefully flush out the blockage.

Keep an eye (and ear) out for any changes in drainage and gurgling sounds. These changes indicate that the debris is being cleared out of the plumbing system.

Step 5: Assess the results.

When the gurgling sounds stop, and there's a steady stream of water coming out of the plumbing system, you're on the right track. If the vent system is still clogged after this first attempt, you may need to repeat the process a couple of times for better results.

If the drain vent is still clogged, it's time to seek professional help and call a plumber. They can thoroughly inspect your pipes and vents to identify the cause of the clog and fix it.

How to tell if a plumbing vent is clogged.

Just about anything can cause a plumbing drain vent to become clogged. Common culprits include (but are not limited to) leaves, branches, snow, ice buildup, and animals (such as birds or rodents).

Here are some common signs that your plumbing vent is clogged:

• Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the pipe.
• Slow drainage in the plumbing system.
• Unpleasant odors are coming from plumbing outlets.

Tips to prevent clogs in your plumbing vent.

Prevention is better (and cheaper) than hiring a professional to unclog your plumbing vents. Follow these tips to prevent your future clogs:

• Schedule regular inspections. Routinely check the vent stack for debris and signs (or smells) of a potential blockage. You can do this yourself, but it's best to hire a professional. A plumber will know what signs to look for and how to troubleshoot the issue.
• Install a screen, filter, or vent cap. Animals and debris can easily get into a vent stack and clog it up. The screen, filter, and vent cap can all help prevent debris buildup, and evict uninvited guests who try to make a home inside the plumbing vent. However, this preventative step does involve someone getting on the roof. If you're not the most steady person to climb onto a ladder, call a professional plumber to do it for you.
• Cut back overhanging branches. Make a habit of cutting back branches near the vent stack to prevent leaves and dirt from clogging it. You can cut the branches yourself or hire a tree trimming service.
• Insulate the pipe. In colder climates, snow, and ice buildup can cause plumbing vents to get clogged. Insulate the vent pipe to minimize the chances of that happening.

Hire a plumber to unclog your vents.

Unclogging plumbing vents can be a job for a DIY enthusiast. But if you're not confident in your abilities or the job looks more complicated than you thought, the best thing to do is to hire a professional plumber.

Simply download the Thumbtack app and get free estimates from professionals near you.