Drains can be found throughout your home; there is a drain in your sink, shower, and even your toilet. Gutters carry wastewater away from properties and into the sewer systems. However, did you know that drains in your home also have a vent attached to them?
A drain needs a vent to function properly. The drain vent prevents negative pressure caused by water flow out of the gutter. This negative pressure can suck up smelly and even harmful gasses from sewer systems. Therefore, the vent is an integral aspect of any plumbing drain.
Keep reading for an in-depth analysis of the function of vents in a drainage system. I will explore what can go wrong without vents and how to know when your ducts are backed up. By the end of this piece, you will better understand caring for and maintaining your plumbing systems.
What Happens When a Drain Is Not Vented?
Drains are an essential aspect of any plumbing system.
After all, there is little point in having running water if there is no system to take the wastewater away from your home.
However, what happens if you install drains in your home without vents?
When a drain is not vented, it will function poorly at removing wastewater and solid waste from your property. This will lead to issues like blocked drains and backed-up toilets. On top of this, gasses will pass back through the system, making your home smell like a sewer.
Another consequence of poor drain venting is a loud gurgling noise coming from drains or toilets. Similarly, bubbles may form in the bathroom and pass through the water.
If you notice any of these signs in your plumbing system, you likely have an issue with the vents.
For best results, hire a professional plumber to repair the damages and restore ventilation to your system.
This will solve these issues and clear any blockages.
Adequate venting is essential in protecting the plumbing systems in your home and stopping foul odors from gaining access to your property.
Where Should a Drain Vent Be Placed?
Now that you are fully aware of the function and significance of functional venting in a drainage system, it’s okay to explore where the vent is placed.
Are all drain vents placed in the exact location, and where is the best spot to place the vents for a new drainage system in your home?
A drain vent should be placed directly behind the fixture or horizontal drain line. This is called a standard vent and is often used for bathroom features. These horizontal drain lines run parallel to your flooring and carry wastewater away from your property.
The vents run from the drain right up through the roof.
This means that if there is a blockage or issue with the vent, any foul orders will be released into the air and not into your bathroom.
If you plan to install more venting for your drains, contact a professional for some expert tips and advice for best results.
How Do You Know When Your Drain Vent Is Clogged?
Drain vents are crucial elements of any plumbing system. Without drain vents, the drains would not function as they should.
As a result, you may be eager to know what to look out for as an indication that your drain vent is clogged in your home.
You’ll know your drain vent is clogged when waste and water drain away slowly from drains and toilets. On top of this, you can smell the stench of the sewer when the vents clog up. Finally, strange sounds will appear from your plumbing if the vents are backed up in the system.
You can clear blockages in your drain vents by doing the following:
- Cleaning any build-up of dirt from the vents on your roof.
- You can also use a numbers snake to clear any blockages along the way.
This ensures good quality airflow and protects your home against the risks of inadequate ventilation.
If you don’t wish to spend hours trying to unclog drain vents in your home, call an expert for the job.
This ensures quality results without damage to your drainage system and restores functionality to your drains.
Final Thoughts
A drain needs a vent to prevent foul odors and gasses from traveling up through the system from the sewers. Vents release this and prevent it from stinking up your property.
Without adequate venting in place, your drains would smell awful and function poorly.
Drains will not be capable of transporting waste away from your property without the proper venting.
As a result, your drain vents must be well kept and clean to prevent blockages and keep your home smelling fresh.
Hiring a plumber to perform routine maintenance on your vents and drains can also help ensure everything is maintained properly.
