4 Signs of Poorly Vented Plumbing Drain Lines

A home's plumbing system is an intricate network of fixtures, connected to one another by drain lines. Plumbing drain lines must be properly vented, or else it may mimic the symptoms of different plumbing malfunctions.

Understanding Plumbing Drain Line Venting

When wastewater flows through your drain pipes, it alters the pressure inside your system. Outside air is therefore required to equalize the pressure difference. When a plumbing system is installed, vertical pipes are connected to your drain system. These pipes extend straight up out of the roof to provide venting.

Just like any other pipe, plunging drain line vents may develop blockages, and this will affect their ability to terminate odors.

Any number of issues can cause your drain line vents to become blocked, including improper placement at construction and obstructions such as bird nests and leaves. A professional plumber can use specialized tools to clear the drain vents on your roof.

4 Symptoms of Poorly Vented Drain Lines

If you notice any of the following symptoms of poorly vented drain lines, it is time to call a professional Toronto plumbing service.

1. Slow draining fixtures

If plunging does not clear up your sluggish drains, it is possible that you have an obstructed vent pipe. When vent pipes are blocked, it will inhibit the free flow of the drainage system.

2. Sewer smells

Bad smells in the house? It could be that the trap under your sink is dry. When there's water in the trap, it will seal out sewer gases. On the contrary, waste will form a vacuum when there's inadequate venting, and it will suck water out of the traps, causing sewer odors to permeate your home.

3. Bubbling and gurgling sounds

Do you hear bubbling or gurgling sounds in the tub, sink or shower after it has been emptied? It's possible your plumbing drain line is poorly vented, and that is causing pressure to build up in the vented pipes. This causes air pressure to build up in order to equalize refluxing up the drains and that's what's responsible for the sounds.

4. Poor flushing action in the toilet

If your toilet doesn't flush as it should, and the water in the bowl rises back to the right level slowly, it is likely that excess pressure from a blocked vent may be inhibiting free flow through the sewer line. In most cases, the poor flushing action will also be present, as will bubbles in the bowl, even when it is not in use.

Correcting Poorly Vented Plumbing Drain Lines

When you suspect that you have poorly vented drain lines, it is important to call your local plumbers right away. If you call Anta Plumbing, we will send out a team of licensed drain technicians to your place right away. They will then inspect the pipes, find the blockage and clear the vent pipe. Most of the work will usually be done on the roof, using specialized equipment. That's why we don't recommend this as a DIY project. For your safety and that of your family, rather call a professional plumber to fix your poorly vented plumbing drain lines.