Sewer Vent Pipe On Roof Smells -Septic? Trust The Answer

The Romans were the first people to build sophisticated piping systems so they could bring spring water from the mountains to supply their cities.

They also used these advances for better waste management systems. Before the Romans used underground sewers to dump waste into rivers, communities dumped their sewage onto the streets.

Nowadays plumbing systems are complicated. Not every blockage can be cleared with a plunger. In fact, a plunger will only handle small clogs, while larger clogs require the expertise of a professional plumber.

If your plumbing vent is clogged, your plumbing system will not function properly. You should be able to tell that there is a problem fairly quickly.

There are a few telltale signs that your drain is clogged. Do you want to know what they are?

Read this guide to learn the signs that you may have a clogged drain hole.

What are plumbing vents?

Before we discuss sure signs that your drain hole is clogged, let’s talk about what that vent does and why it’s important.

Drainpipes remove water and waste from your home. They can clog, but they’re not the only pipes that can clog.

Air vents remove gas and odors from your home. They also regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system.

Without vents, water and waste could not move efficiently from site to site.

The exhaust pipe is a vertical pipe that attaches to the drain line and runs through the roof of a house.

The pipe leading to the main roof vent is called the vent chimney. It helps maintain the proper atmospheric pressure in a building’s waste system and directs the exhaust gases to the vent.

The plumbing systems of your home or office consist of both drainage and ventilation systems that work together to remove water and waste.

These vent pipes supply fresh air to all plumbing fixtures, allowing the system to efficiently move water through the drain pipes each time a sink is emptied or a toilet is flushed.

Sanitary vent pipes are always located away from windows and HVAC units so that fumes can be easily vented without contaminating these air sources.

The importance of sanitary vents has been established. Now let’s look at the top signs to look for that can mean a vent is clogged.

1. Strong sewage odors

Strong sewage odors are a telltale sign that your toilet vent pipe might be clogged.

One of the main jobs of vent pipes is to get rid of those nasty odors and gases. So if you smell something, it’s time to check it out.

When the drain is clogged, these sewer gases cannot escape properly. This means they may find their way back into your home through the sewers.

If you smell a distinct or unpleasant odor coming from your toilet or sink, it’s possible the vent is clogged.

Not only is it a disgusting smell, but methane is something you don’t want your family or customers to breathe in. It is flammable and can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Call a plumber immediately if you smell anything strange or nasty.

2. Gurgling toilets and/or drains

Have you noticed strange gurgling noises coming from your toilet after flushing? Have you noticed those noises coming out of your drains?

When a vent is clogged, it means air isn’t getting out of your plumbing system as intended. When that happens, the air finds the nearest exit, which is usually your toilet or sink.

It makes noise as it escapes, causing those gurgling noises. If you notice any of these noises, contact a professional as soon as possible.

3. Sluggish drains

Slow drains can be due to several issues. But one of those problems involves a clogged drain.

If you find that one or all of your drains are clogged and very sluggish, it could indicate a venting problem. When a plumbing vent is clogged, it cannot regulate the air pressure in your plumbing system to maintain proper flow.

Call your local plumber to find out if it’s a clogged drain hole or something else.

You may need an expert

When it comes to a clogged vent, Drano won’t cut it. Also, these harsh cleaners like Drano will stress your pipes the more you use them. So whatever your plumbing situation, it’s always best to call in a professional.

And plumbing can be messy. Sometimes a clogged vent will require a professional plumber to open up the walls of your home to get a good look at your drainage system.

Since most drain pipes are near the roof, sometimes even debris from the roof can clog a pipe. Bird nests, debris, and rodents are all known culprits for clogging vent pipes.

Climbing onto a roof is dangerous, especially when you’re trying to look for the cause of a clog. It’s in your best interest to hire a professional if a vent tube may be clogged.

Don’t wait for your plumbing vent to be checked

One important thing to remember with any plumbing problem, especially when it comes to a clogged plumbing vent, is not to wait too long to fix a problem.

If methane gas enters your home or business, your family or customers could become ill or injured.

And the sooner you call a professional and deal with a plumbing problem, the less likely you’ll have to dig deep to pay a hefty bill.

Anyhow, we’re here to help. Have a question? Call us or request an offer.

Summer is far behind us. Now is the perfect time to check the condition of your roof and see if it’s time to make some home repairs. But climbing your roof can be dangerous, especially when it’s still hurricane season. Being prepared and knowing what to look for is critical to a safe and effective roof inspection. In this blog post, we cover everything you need to know about roof vent pipe covers, sleeves, and caps to help you learn how to install and clean your roof vent pipes.

Should a roof ventilation pipe be covered?

Most roof vent pipes are part of a plumbing system and are connected to water systems that are constantly wet. In this regard, there is no need to install a roof vent cap to prevent rain from entering the vent pipe.

The main reason you should put a cap on your vent pipe is to protect it from debris that can get in during the storm and to prevent animals from climbing inside. On the other hand, you should always protect your roof vent pipe with a vent pipe cover.

What is a vent boot?

A vent tube cover, also known as a boot, is the rubber covering around your vent tube. It helps seal the area around the pipe, protecting it from water and dirt. Rubber roof vent sleeves naturally expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall. This can cause it to crack or detach from the roof, allowing water and dirt to enter your home.

Air duct covers can also wear out from extreme weather conditions, which are fairly common in Florida.

How to tell if your roof vent sleeve is damaged:

Watermarks on the ceiling or walls

Peeling or cracked paint or wallpaper in your bathroom or kitchen

Damaged shingles around the roof vent pipes

How to unclog a roof vent pipe

When the vent pipe is clogged, the problems can manifest themselves in a number of ways. Foul smells coming out of drains and sinks and toilets that won’t drain are signs of vent pipe problems. Many things can clog a vent tube:

Leaves, twigs or other debris

bird nests

bird or rodent remains

baseball or tennis balls

If your vent pipe is clogged, there are two ways to clean a roof vent pipe – clean it yourself or hire a professional plumber.

Unclog your homemade vent pipe

If you decide to clean it up yourself, start by removing any debris around the vent tube. Clear any blockages you come across and use a plumber’s snake if you find any foreign objects you can’t reach. Run a hose through the vent and gently turn on the water to force the remains down the drain.

If you’ve never done this before or are unsure what the problem is, it’s always best to leave this to a professional contractor. You can find verified and trustworthy plumbers on popular websites such as Angie’s List or similar internet service companies. A professional can save you from possible injury and ensure a clean job.

How to install a pipe connection on an existing roof

Installing pipe fittings on your roof can reduce the risk of water damage and save you a lot of money in the long run. This is a pretty easy project. Getting it right will ensure a leak-proof structure.

The most important thing to know is that the adjacent clapboards and surrounds must fit properly around the pipe. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing pipe flashing on an existing roof:

1. Without bending the shingles under the pipe, bend the shingles back over and on the sides of the pipe.

2. Place the Pipe Cladding over the Vent Clapboard that is below the Vent Pipe, just below the Top and Side Clapboards you just pryed back. Make sure it fits snugly around the roof vent pipe.

3. Drive nails into the top and sides of the skirting, being careful not to go through the clapboards. Also tap the bottom edge of the surround making sure it rests on top of the shingles that are just below your roof vent pipe.

4. Seal the edges of the channel and any nail heads with roofing putty.

Installing vent pipes on a flat roof: A caveat

Flat roofs have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The vent pipe installation process depends on the type of flat roof of your home or commercial building. However, installing a vent pipe connection on an existing flat roof is significantly more complicated than installing on a traditional pitched roof. It requires the highest precision and high-quality workmanship.

If you decide to do it yourself and install it incorrectly, it will only cost you more money to remove the blinking and reinstall correctly. In many cases it is best to leave the installation process to licensed and experienced contractors.

If you’ve found a roof-related leak in your home and suspect your vent pipe is to blame, act quickly to protect the roof structure. As one of Florida’s most trusted roofing companies, we make sure your roof construction is strong and watertight. Call us today at 813-373-9088. Or fill out our quick online form and get a free roof estimate.

Unpleasant odors can create unbearable conditions no matter where they originate. However, if you can trace the smell back to a specific source, you can fix the problem yourself or hire a professional to do the work. If your air vents smell bad, you can take these steps to quell the odor and live peacefully again in your Charles Town, West Virginia home.

Remove the ventilation covers

Vent covers need to be cleaned like any other part of the house. Dust and dirt particles can collect on both the inside and outside of the vents, and if moisture has built up on the vents, you may have a mold problem. Regular cleaning of your air vents can help prevent unpleasant odors.

To clean your vents, wash them with hot, soapy water and a sponge or cloth. Dry them thoroughly before reinstalling them on the wall or floor. You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipe to prevent mold and pathogen growth on the air vents.

Examine your indoor and outdoor HVAC units

Sometimes unpleasant odors can emanate from your home’s air vents, even though they are not created there. As air flows through your HVAC system and out of your vents, the odor could be coming from the source. Examine the indoor and outdoor HVAC units to see if you smell the same odor. For example, it could be coming from the air conditioner evaporator coils, which could indicate mold growth.

If you think the smell is coming from your HVAC system, do not attempt to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Opening your devices and trying to clean them is likely to damage their delicate parts, resulting in much higher repair bills. Instead, let our technicians diagnose and fix the problem so you no longer have to live with the smell.

Look at your drains

Just as unpleasant odors near your air vents can come from your HVAC units, they can also come from your home’s duct system. Dust and dirt collect in the ducts and can give off musty or other unpleasant odors. You need a professional to examine your ducts and identify the problem since you do not have the necessary equipment to examine the ducts yourself.

Check for pests

Speaking of pests, rodents and insects sometimes inhabit ducts and the space between the walls in your house. When they die, they can release an extremely unpleasant odor that can emanate from your vents. It will likely smell like decay and get worse over several days or weeks.

You must remove the dead animal from its final resting place to eliminate the smell. If the dead animal attracted insects, you need to remedy that as well.

Look for moisture

Plumbing leaks can sometimes occur near vents. Even if you think the problem is coming from the vent itself, you are actually smelling mold and mildew from the pipe leak. It’s almost impossible for a layperson to spot and fix a leaking pipe, so you need a professional. He or she can fix the problem and eliminate any mold that has grown in the area.

Check all air vents

One way to narrow down the problem is to check all air vents in your home for unpleasant odors. You may have noticed that the vent in your bedroom stinks, but what about those in the living room, kitchen, or dining room? If the smell is coming from multiple vents, you probably have an HVAC issue, and it’s probably not coming from the vents themselves.

Regardless of the source, we can help you pinpoint the cause so you don’t have to breathe harmful air every minute you spend at home. Bad smells can not only be unpleasant, but also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. Call Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391 to schedule a service appointment.

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What is that awful stench coming out of the air conditioner? Just as important, how can you get rid of it?

To find out, check out this list of 9 common bad air conditioner smells, with solutions for each.

1. Rotten Eggs

Beware. An air conditioner that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur almost always means one thing: there’s a gas leak in your home, getting into your ducts. Natural gas is a hazardous substance. It can catch fire, explode and/or reduce oxygen levels in the bloodstream with serious, often fatal, consequences.

WHAT TO DO: Turn off the gas supply if it’s safe to do so and get everyone out of the house. Then call 911 or your gas supplier to report the leak.

2. Dirty socks

Dirty socks, crazy feet, or “Eau de Sweat Sock” are all ways to describe a specific aroma created by standing water or bacterial growth in your air conditioner. As foul as it is, that air conditioner smell isn’t usually harmful.

WHAT TO DO: First, change your air filter if it’s wet or clogged. Next, call an HVAC professional to clean your air conditioning system, particularly the evaporator coil and drain. (Ideally schedule professional maintenance every year.)

3. Musty mildew

Another consequence of excess moisture in your air conditioner is moisture escaping through the airflow. It can get trapped in the ducts, leading to mold and mildew growth in the ducts.

WHAT TO DO: As above, checking your AC filter for moisture or clogging is the best place to start. If that doesn’t help, call an HVAC professional to drain your condensate line and clean out your ducts.

4. Burn

A slight burning smell when you first turn on the HVAC system is usually nothing serious. A strong smell of burning or gunpowder can indicate an electrical fire hazard—a short circuit, an engine overheating, or frayed wiring that is producing sparks.

WHAT TO DO: If there is a faint whiff, wait a few minutes to see if it goes away on its own. For a more pungent odor, turn off the system, evacuate your home, and call the outside fire department. Once the situation stabilizes, contact an HVAC company to have your air conditioner repaired or replaced.

5. Exhaust gases

Your electrically operated air conditioning system should not smell of exhaust gases in everyday life, which are usually only caused by the combustion of fossil fuels such as petrol. Exhaust fumes indicate a leak in your refrigerant line or engine.

WHAT TO DO: Shut down the system and have the air conditioner repaired in an emergency.

6. Vehicle coolant

Antifreeze, an essential ingredient in vehicle coolants, smells quite sweet, similar to freon or R-22, a toxic residential air conditioning refrigerant currently being phased out by the Canadian government. A refrigerant-like odor in your home warns you of a Freon leak – very dangerous as inhaled Freon is toxic.

WHAT TO DO: Stop the air conditioner and open the windows wide to let in fresh air. After that, call an HVAC refrigerant expert to find and fix the leak.

7. Cigarette smoke

A smell of cigarettes arises when someone frequently smokes indoors. The stale smoke is typically absorbed by your HVAC air filter and evaporator coil and then “recycled” throughout the home.

WHAT TO DO: Make a habit of changing or cleaning the filter every 30 days and having the system professionally cleaned at least once a year. And maybe you’re thinking about quitting smoking…

8. Skunk

If it smells like skunk, it’s probably a skunk. Skunks might spray your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit if startled. The pungent odor is then circulated through your ducts.

WHAT TO DO: Turn off the air conditioner to prevent the odor from spreading any further. Open some windows to air out your home. Call your friendly neighborhood HVAC technician to clean out the ducts and condenser.

9. garbage

A noxious, garbage-like odor usually means a rodent, bird, or other animal entered the sewer and died there. Running the air conditioner helps spread the smell in your home.

WHAT TO DO: You need to hire someone to remove the animal’s remains and clean your sewer system. Until then, limit the spread by not using the air conditioner.

Keep your air conditioner clean and safe

If you have a question about air conditioner odors or any other HVAC issue, don’t hesitate — call the doctor. The team of trained technicians from Dr. HVAC cleans, repairs or replaces your air conditioning in the GTA.

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When your air conditioner breath stinks!

Your air conditioner is what you rely on most for comfort at home. So when you turn it on, expect it to deliver nice cold air to keep you fresh. And you want to feel it, not smell it! But what happens when you turn it on and a foul smell comes out? The last thing you want is bad air conditioner smells ruining your day!

Bad air conditioner odors are telltale signs that it’s time for service. But an odor problem doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive repair is due. It could be something as simple as a dirty air filter or a clogged drain pan. However, some smells can pose potentially dangerous hazards to you and your family. So it’s important to know what those bad smells mean before you call us at 813-609-5015 to take care of them.

What causes bad odors in the air conditioner?

Mold growth is the most common cause of bad odors in your air conditioner. Mold, also known as bacterial growth, circulates through your indoor air once it has settled in your air conditioner. Other contaminants in your HVAC system will do the same if left unattended. However, bad odors from the air conditioner do not necessarily have to come from the system itself. Odors could come from another source and be picked up and transported by your air conditioning or duct system.

As mentioned earlier, the odors could also be coming from a dirty air filter. That’s because your air conditioner’s air filter pulls odor-causing contaminants out of the air as it circulates. So if you haven’t changed your air filter regularly, this nasty stuff is circulating back into your home.

Aside from your air filter, here are some common areas that can produce bad air conditioner odors:

evaporator coils

The evaporator coils in your refrigeration system collect dirt, dust, and other debris over time with regular use. Add to this the cool, humid environment your evaporator coil creates and you have a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. Without regular maintenance and cleaning, your evaporator coils will give off unpleasant air conditioning odors over time.

Drain pan and condensate drain line

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils carry moisture to the condensate line and drain pan. And if these become clogged, moisture can no longer drain out of the system. This leads to mold and mildew growth. The drain pan has a float switch to prevent excessive condensation. And if your drain pan is clogged, the overflow causes the float switch to turn off your air conditioner. So if you notice bad odors from the air conditioner and it shuts itself off, mold and mildew will build up in your drain pan and condensate drain line and need to be removed immediately.

sewerage

As air circulates in your home, dirt and debris can build up in the ducts. And if humidity isn’t controlled, your plumbing can get damp, which also leads to mold and mildew growth. Any holes, gaps, or damage in your ductwork creates an opportunity for outside odors to enter the ductwork and circulate through your indoor air. And mold and mildew from a roof leak or a wet crawl space could also enter your duct system and create the smell. If outside odors are coming through broken ducts, it’s time to get them checked.

Poor ventilation

A common reason for bad air conditioner odors is that homes are not properly ventilated. This is primarily due to a lack of fresh air to circulate in your HVAC system. Improper ventilation and circulation can not only lead to foul odors, but also affect indoor air quality. If your home is not properly ventilated, try letting in more air if possible. Don’t be afraid to open windows if you can. And call us at 813-609-5015 to check your home out for an inspection. We can help you identify problems that cause odors and offer solutions to improve your home’s ventilation.

Types of bad smells in air conditioners

Musty or moldy smell

A musty or moldy smell could be compared to smelly feet or dirty socks. Because your air conditioner dehumidifies the air as it cools, mold is one of the most common odors from the condensation it creates. As mentioned, the odor that comes from bacterial growth will give off that musty or moldy smell. Clogged drain lines, standing water in drain pans, or leaks in your plumbing can cause that stinky foot odor that seeps through your vents. A simple maintenance and cleaning of the air conditioner is usually sufficient.

sewage smell

Raw sewage smell is one of the most unpleasant odors that can come through your air conditioner. And if that stench is coming out of your vents, it doesn’t bode well. It could mean that there is a clogged sewer line or a cracked sewer pipe somewhere near your sewer. And that will give off a methane odor that can fill your home with a foul odor. Methane is a dangerous gas. So if you smell raw sewage coming out of your vents, you should call a plumber immediately before you call us!

smell of rotten eggs

A natural gas leak has a putrid stench that smells like rotten eggs. And if that smell is coming from an air conditioning vent, you could have a leak somewhere near your air ducts. Natural gas is odorless. But gas companies add a harmless chemical that creates a sulphur-like odor to warn people of a leak. So if it smells like rotten eggs when you turn on your air conditioner, it’s probably a gas leak. Open your windows, get out of the house immediately and call your gas supplier! And do not use electronics or open flames near the area where you smelled the natural gas. This could result in an explosion or fire. Speaking of fire…

Burning smell

We’ve covered this before, but when you first turn on the heater, it can smell like something is on fire. The odor usually arises when dust settles on the heat exchanger after the heater has been inactive for a long time. So when the heater is turned on, the dust is burned. It is normal for this to happen. But if the burning smell doesn’t go away after a while, you should call us immediately!

If you are using the heater for the first time in a long time, you may also notice the smell of burning electrical parts. This is usually a sign that a component is overheating and you should turn off your AC unit immediately before attempting to diagnose the problem. Again, it could be something as simple as a dirty air filter, which can restrict airflow and overheat electrical components. But if replacing the air filter doesn’t solve the problem, the smell is a sign of engine overheating or bad wiring.

An active burning smell could indicate a mechanical problem with the AC fan or compressor. And unless you’re a professional electrician, don’t try to fix the problem yourself! Dealing with electrical problems without proper training can result in serious injury. In addition to turning off your air conditioner, also turn off your power at the master switch until a professional HVAC technician can check.

smell of dead creatures

We hate the thought of animals dying in our HVAC system. But it’s not uncommon for small critters like rodents or birds to enter your air ducts and die. So if there is a dead animal in your duct system, you will smell its carcass every time you turn on your air conditioner. If left unattended, the decomposition of a dead animal will create a foul stench that will permeate your home. Professional drain cleaning is recommended to remove dead animals from your system and disinfect anything left behind, including the stench.

The best way to tell if you have a dead animal in your air conditioner is to follow your nose. You can use your sense of smell to tell if there is a dead living being in your duct system, air handling unit or elsewhere. By the way, the air handler right behind your air filter. And if a mouse crawled in there and died, you’ll find out soon!

Live rodent smell

We just mentioned small critters like mice that die in our HVAC systems. But live rodents are no better than dead ones when it comes to air conditioner odors. That’s because live rodents pee and poop in your air conditioner. So, a strong smell of urine coming out of your register ports is a sign that you have live creatures in your system. Mice in particular urinate and defecate frequently. And if your HVAC system becomes their toilet, you’ll have to live with that foul odor until the animal is removed.

The best way to troubleshoot the problem is to look inside the air handling unit or in another area where there is warm air. Although you can set up traps or poison to get rid of them, you could end up creating a bigger problem as they could die in places you can’t reach. If you suspect rodents are living in your HVAC system, it is best to call a pest control company first before calling us to clean your ducts.

smell of cigarette smoke

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but if you or anyone in your home smokes indoors, the fumes can be drawn into the evaporator coil. The smell of tobacco penetrates the coil and blows the smell of cigarettes into your home every time you run the air conditioner. Smoking indoors affects your indoor air quality. And if you live in a building where plumbing and/or sewer lines connect from apartment to apartment, this smell could enter your home. If there is an objectionable tobacco smoke odor in your home, stop smoking indoors and call us today so we can purify and disinfect the air for you.

smell of acetone

A refrigerant leak in your air conditioners can produce an odor similar to acetone. So if you smell something similar to nail polish remover in your house, a refrigerant leak is the most likely cause. As we recently reported, refrigerant leaks can be a health hazard and ruin the efficiency of your air conditioning system. A refrigerant or freon leak is no joke, so contact us right away and we’ll take care of it for you.

Did we leave enough calls to action in this post? Well! Because we want you to know that you can count on us to take care of all your air conditioning needs! So give us a call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 813-609-5015 and we’ll take care of those bad air conditioner odors!

How to check if the vent tube is clogged

Is your sink clogged? Have you kept looking for the problem in vain? It couldn’t be your drain.

If your sink isn’t draining properly and the sewer line isn’t clogged, it might be time to look up instead of down. The vent system (the pipes sticking out of your roof) may be clogged instead. When the vent pipe is clogged, it shows in your home in a variety of ways, from a “ghost flush” from your toilet to a sink that isn’t draining properly.

Your vent tube can become clogged by a variety of things:

bird nests

bird or rodent carcasses

Leaves, small branches, debris or other debris

tennis balls or baseballs

How plumbing valves work

Before you can focus on cleaning your plumbing vent, you must first understand how plumbing vents work. A plumbing vent or plumbing vent tube is used to regulate the air pressure throughout your plumbing system. It also helps remove gas and odors that are common with a plumbing system, and allows fresh air into the system to keep the home smelling right and water flowing smoothly down the drain and out of the home. You will find your plumbing vent at your roofline. It will look like a vertical pipe running through the roof.

The vent pipe works hand in hand with the drain pipes. As the drain pipes carry the waste out of your home, the vent pipes provide the plumbing fixtures with fresh air so they can repeat the process and carry the waste out of your home. These vents also allow for the escape of sewage gases and odors. This dual function makes them a vital addition to your home, and when they become clogged you need to act quickly to get things going again. You don’t want sewer gas running through your house, nor do you want to find your plumbing stopped working.

Now that you understand how air vents work, consider what to do if you find yours are clogged.

How to unclog a vent pipe

Because working on your breather pipe is difficult at best, it’s best to take preventive action before you run into a problem. However, if there is a blockage, you have two options.

1. Do it yourself

To do it yourself, start by removing debris from around the pipe. Use a flashlight to shine a bright light down the vent pipe to check for other clogs you can reach. If you can see but can’t reach, run a plumber’s hose down the vent pipe.

To continue, run the end of a garden hose through the vent and have someone on the ground turn on the water. Listen closely for water backing up and a sudden whoosh as the weight of the water pushes the clog back down the drain.

2. Hire a professional

Not sure what the problem is? Nervous about climbing and working on your roof? Want the job done right (and injury-free) the first time? Immediately contact a professional plumber who will take care of the job. A professional plumber will provide you with professional results without interfering with your busy day.

Could your vent tube be clogged? Contact the plumbers at R.S. Andrews for a quick diagnosis!

You may need to run a drain cleaner through your roof vent if it’s clogged or if this is the easiest way to get to a clogged main drain.

Slow draining and gurgling plumbing fixtures could be a sign of a clogged roof vent. And for homes that don’t have main drain cleaning, accessing a clogged main drain through the roof vent might be the best option.

Start by trying to clean out the roof vent and main drain with a hand-held barrel drill. Important: Before attempting any work at roof height, consider the accessibility and condition of the roof, weather conditions, and any other factors that may complicate the work. Do not attempt this approach unless you have experience working on tall ladders or are unfamiliar with the project.

Before beginning any work at roof height, consider the accessibility and condition of the roof, weather conditions, and any other factors that may complicate the job. Do not attempt this approach unless you have experience working on tall ladders or are unfamiliar with the project. Avoid working on wet or snow-covered roof surfaces. You should wear boots or rubber-soled shoes, use ladders and other equipment in good condition, and use a roof harness if necessary to ensure your safety. And if you’re concerned about completing the job safely, consider hiring a licensed plumber to help.

roof surfaces. You should wear boots or shoes, use ladders and other equipment that is in place, and use one if necessary to ensure your safety. And if you’re concerned about completing the job safely, consider hiring a licensed plumber to help. How to use the hand held drum drill:

: Read and follow the drill safety instructions, then put on work gloves and eye protection .

. Start by inserting the drill bit into the vent a short distance to see if there is an obstruction near the vent hole that you might be able to pull out.

into the vent to look for an obstruction near the vent that you might be able to pull out. Next, try inserting the drill full-length down the vent shaft to the main drain by locking the cord, turning the drum clockwise, and then unlocking the cord and inserting as needed to guide the drill bit through any elbows and blockages .

by locking the cable, rotating the drum clockwise, then unlocking the cable and inserting it as needed to get the drill bit through all the nooks and blockages. After inserting the full length of the drum auger, pull out the auger cable while reinserting it into the drum. It may take several attempts to remove most of the blockage.

when you put it back in the drum. It may take several attempts to remove most of the blockage. Note: If you can’t reach the clog with a hand drill, you can try a flat sewer rod with a disc-shaped tip, which usually fits through more types of small-diameter elbows and transitions and is sold in lengths up to 100 Ft.

If you can’t reach the clog with a hand drill, you can try a flat sewer rod with a disc-shaped tip, which usually fits through more types of small-diameter elbows and transitions and is sold in lengths of up to 100 feet. You can check that the clog has cleared by inserting a garden hose into the vent, having a ground helper turn the water on, and checking that the water is flowing freely down the main drain. However, if the vent or main drain is still clogged, it can result in dirty fluid flowing out of internal fittings connected to the vent or drain. If unusually stubborn dirt is clogging the vent, or if the main drain is clogged, you may be able to flush the dirt out with a sewage cleaner. A Needle Nose™ Drain Cleaner is a drain cleaner with a sturdier, braided steel jacket and a special compact nozzle tip that allows it to get through almost as many elbows and transitions as a hand-held auger.

with a harder one and a special one that allows it to negotiate almost as many elbows and transitions as a hand drill. Note: You can read several success stories of people who cleared a clogged main drain by feeding a sewage flusher through a roof vent on our customer site.

You can read several on our customer page from people who have a sewer washer through a . Important: You should only consider using a sewer sweeper to clean up to the main drain if the handheld drill can easily penetrate the entire length of the chimney, as the sweeper cannot negotiate as many bends and transitions as the handheld drill.

You should consider using a sewer auger to clean through the chimney to the main drain, as the auger cannot go through as many bends and transitions as the hand drill. You’ll need help from someone on the ground to stay close to the pressure washer, operate the trigger, run the sewer cleaner hose up, and guide the hose so it doesn’t get caught on gutters, gutters, and other objects.

Stay close to the pressure washer, control the trigger, run the sewer washer hose up, and guide the hose to avoid snagging on gutters, gutters, and other objects. Throughout the process, you should carefully position the sewer flusher hose so that it cannot drag itself to the ground, and be careful not to trip or get caught on the pipe as you move over the ladder and roof.

to prevent him from dragging himself to the ground, and be careful not to trip or get caught on the line when moving over the ladder and roof. How to use the sewer cleaner:

To use the : Put on liquid-resistant work gloves and eye protection, then insert the nozzle at least 30 cm into the vent hole before you start the water flow.

and , and then insert the nozzle into the vent hole before starting the water flow. Run the sewer flusher through the vent shaft to the main drain while pulling the trigger. For a deeper clean, pull back about halfway every few feet, then keep moving forward.

and then forward. After cleaning the line, pull out the drain cleaner. Be sure to stop the water flow before the nozzle reaches the vent.

before the nozzle reaches the vent hole. To check for an unobstructed line, insert the garden hose into the roof vent, have a ground attendant turn the water on, and observe that the water appears to flow freely into the main drain. If you don’t want to do any of these steps, hiring a good, licensed plumber can save you money in the long run. To find a good plumber in your area: Start by asking family, friends, and co-workers to recommend a licensed plumber who has performed similar services for them.

for her. If you can’t find a good recommendation from someone you know, search local directories like Google Maps, Yelp, and CitySearch for nearby licensed plumbers that have good reviews online. Don’t always trust reviews from people who have posted very few other reviews, or people who only give positive reviews to everyone. Note that good service providers sometimes receive a small number of negative reviews for reasons that may not be relevant to your situation. Look for a company with multiple reviews that tell a positive, credible story about repairs similar to yours.

like Google Maps, Yelp, and CitySearch for nearby licensed plumbers that have good online reviews. Don’t always trust reviews from people who have posted very few other reviews, or people who only give positive reviews to everyone. Note that good service providers sometimes receive a small number of negative reviews for reasons that may not be relevant to your situation. Look for a company with multiple reviews that tell a positive, credible story about repairs similar to yours. After you find one or more licensed plumbers who seem to have a good reputation, search online for the company name and the names of the people at the company, if known. Consider both the positive and negative information you find about the company.

you can find about the company. Be aware that good installers are sometimes several days behind during peak periods such as low temperatures, heavy rainfall or public holidays. Sometimes strong demand can be a sign of a company with many regular customers.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

How to tell if my air vent is clogged: top signs and symptoms

In plumbing, the problems that make homeowners call a plumber fall into one of two distinct categories: very serious or very visible. When a bathroom or kitchen sink is leaking, homeowners usually call. If you have a clogged toilet, call them. When they got sewage in their shower or sink, oh, you better believe they’re calling for help. It makes sense. Things that are right in front of us or cause us big problems tend to grab our attention.

However, there are installation issues that are not visible but are obvious nonetheless; ones that just haven’t developed into serious problems—yet. These minor issues need to be addressed by homeowners as quickly as possible before they become costly and very inconvenient repairs. Today I want to talk about a question I rarely get from homeowners (but which they should know the answer to): How can I tell if my drain is clogged? Let’s examine the signs and symptoms that you can spot when you know what to look out for, but that can easily be missed if you don’t, and why it’s so important to unclog a drain with the help of an experienced drain cleaner plumber to fix.

How do I know if my drain is clogged?

Before we get into how to tell if your plumbing vent is clogged, let’s first talk about what a plumbing vent is. I’ve seen many homeowners’ eyes glaze over when I mention plumbing vents. The plumbing vent, sometimes referred to as a ventilation shaft, is a vent on the roof of your home that regulates the air pressure in your plumbing system to allow water to flow smoothly down the drain pipes. You can thank your plumbing fume hood for keeping your home smelling fresh, too, as it prevents sewer fumes and gases from entering your home.

So how do you know if that vent is clogged if you didn’t even know it existed? Here are the top three signs and symptoms that will serve as a warning that your drain is clogged:

Gurgling toilets and drains Strong sewage odors Stiff drains

Warning sign #1: Gurgling toilets and drains

Have you noticed a gurgling sound coming from your toilet or sink after flushing? When your plumbing vent is clogged, air can’t escape your plumbing system as it normally would, so it finds the nearest exit – your toilets and drains – and makes noise as it escapes.

Warning sign #2: Strong sewage odors

When the drain is clogged, sewage gases cannot escape properly and can return to your home through drains. If your toilets and sinks have a specific odor, it may be. Methane is something you don’t want your family to breathe; Call a professional plumber right away. Methane is not only flammable, it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Warning Sign #3: Sluggish Drains

If all of your drains are really clogged, it could be a sign that your plumbing vent is clogged and unable to properly regulate the air pressure in the system to maintain proper flow. However, slow drains can stem from other plumbing issues, so be sure to call a local plumber to get things checked.

What to do when your plumbing vent is clogged

If you suspect a clogged vent, I strongly encourage you to call a plumbing professional immediately. They have the equipment and expertise to inspect your plumbing system and diagnose the problem quickly and easily. This is certainly not something you should attempt to inspect or repair yourself – especially if you didn’t know what a tube vent was before reading this. To be clear, there’s no shame in that, it just means you probably shouldn’t be banging your pipes.

If you suspect a clogged vent, I strongly encourage you to call a plumbing professional immediately.

Duct problems can often be messy, complex, and difficult to troubleshoot unless you have extensive plumbing experience and the right professional tools. For example, a clogged vent often requires a plumber to open up the walls in your home so they can get a good look at the drainage system. Other times, you’ll need to go to the roof to look for something that’s clogging the vent pipe, e.g. B. Leaves, bird nests, rodents and debris. Doesn’t sound like too much fun, does it?

The most important thing is to pay close attention to your plumbing so you can spot when something doesn’t seem to be working. The sooner you spot a plumbing problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix.

At Bell Brothers we are big fans of the holistic approach to safety, energy efficiency and health. Our experienced plumbing professionals are happy to look at your plumbing to make sure it is working properly. While we’re there we can also take a look at your water heater or talk to you about a new filtration system. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Are you wondering how you can finance a new furnace or maybe even new windows and pipes? HERO is a unique financing option that helps California homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Contact Bell Brothers, a HERO Approved Contractor, to learn more. Our local HVAC, plumbing and window specialists will guide you through the entire process, from application to installation.

Image courtesy of Unsplash user Patrick Coddou

Cost to meander a drain

The average plumbing cost for a drain is $100 to $275 for a toilet, sink, tub, shower, or laundry drain. The average cost of a trunk is $150 to $500. Roto-rooter prices average from $225 to $500 to get a drain. Renting the Drain Snake costs $30 to $80 per day.

Cost to Quench One Drain Type Average Cost Simple clog in tub, shower, toilet, sink or vent $100-275 Complex clog/main line/multiple fittings $150-500 Severe clog requiring water jet $250-800

*Prices depend on the severity of the constipation. Some plumbers charge a minimum service fee of $50 to $200.

Signs of a clogged drain include gurgling noises, water backing up or pooling, water draining slowly, the toilet not flushing, or bad smells.

It takes plumbers about five minutes to find a clogged drain near the bathtub, toilet, or sink.

Blockages in the main sewer line affect all drains and fittings at once.

Plumbing costs to clear the drain

Plumbers cost $75 to $550 to unclog a drain, depending on hourly rates, accessibility, severity, and the cause of the clog. Most plumbers offer flat rate pricing for basic drain cleaning, while heavy drain unclogs charge at $45 to $150 an hour plus parts.

Plumbing Cost to Clear Drain National Average Cost $216 Minimum Cost $75 Maximum Cost $550 Average Range $100 to $275

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Cost factors for draining Roding

Labor – Plumbing estimates vary by job size, travel distance, region, and time of year.

Travel expenses – Some plumbers offer free estimates, while others charge a $50-$200 travel fee, which typically covers the first hour of work.

Accessibility – Mains clogs are more difficult to access than tub or sink clogs. Some jobs require access to multiple connection points or temporarily removing the toilet.

Severity – Most blockages will take five minutes to weave, while multiple plugged pipes or a serious mainline blockage will take hours to clear the blockage and may require a video camera inspection.

Clog Cause – Hair, food scraps, dirt, and soap scum are easier to loosen than tree roots, broken pipes, or grease.

Unforeseen Damage – Plumbers may need to – Plumbers may need to replace plumbing, toilet parts, or garbage disposal.

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Roto-rooter costs

Roto-Rooters average $225 to $500 to snail pipes and clean drains. A roto-rooter sewer camera inspection costs an average of $295-$350. Roto-rooter hydro jetting costs an average of $500 to $900 to clean a main drain.

Roto-Rooter Price List Service Average Cost Service Call / Travel $70 – $200 Snake Pipes / Drain Cleaning $225 – $500 Hydro Jetting $500 – $900 Camera Inspection $295 – $350

Roto-Rooter is a national franchise and each franchisee has a flat rate price list. Typically, a plumber will estimate the cost after a personal service call.

Some roto-rooter franchises charge a $70-$200 travel fee, which can be deducted once you’ve done the job.

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How much does a plumbing snake cost?

A portable or drill-activated plumbing snake costs $15 to $100 and reaches up to 25 feet for minor clogs near the sink or toilet. A machine-powered plumbing snake averages $250 to $1,000 and reaches 50 to 75 feet at most apartment blockades.

Plumbing Snake Cost Size Average Cost Hand/Drill (3′ – 25′) $15 – $100 Machine Drill (50′ – 75′) $250 – $1,000 Heavy Duty Sewer Machine $1,000 – $3,500

Drain snake prices are based on type, cable length, and cable diameter. Types of plumbing snakes include mini rooters, toilet snails, top snakes, and large drain snakes.

What size drain queue do I need?

Drain snakes range from 25′ to 100′. A 25-foot snake frees showers, tubs and sinks. A 50- to 75-foot plumbing snake cleans washing machines, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and roof vents. A 75 to 100 foot snake will clear drains 3 inches or larger. A toilet auger is specially made for toilets.

Plumbing Snake Sizes Size for unclogging 25ft Showers, Tubs, Sinks 50ft – 75ft Washing Machines, Bathroom or Kitchen Sinks, Roof Vents 75ft – 100ft For drains 3″ or larger, Street Cleaners specially made snake toilets for toilets

*Using the wrong type or size coiled tubing can damage tubing.

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Drain Snake rental cost

Renting a drain snake costs $30 to $80 a day, $125 to $300 a week, or $300 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size of the machine auger. Borrowing a portable plumbing snake costs $10 to $15 per day. Plumbing lines can be rented at Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Drain Snake Rental Cost Size Day Week Month Toilet Drill $10 – $15 $25 – $50 $75 – $150 Small (25′) $25 – $50 $100 – $150 $200 – $450 Medium (50′ – 75′) 40 $-$80 $130-$300 $350-$800 Large (100′) $60-$100 $200-$400 $500-$1,000 Trail Camera $100-$200 $300-$800 $1,000-$2,200

*A deposit of $100-$150 is usually required for screw machine rentals.

Machine augers are difficult to handle and can damage pipes or pose a risk of injury if misused.

A drain snake used with too much force can cause the end to flap around and scratch the pipe. Scratches will damage the coating, resulting in cracks or rusting in the tubes.

The coiled wire of a drain snake can snap back at high speeds, causing serious injury.

If you are unsure how to use a snake, hire an experienced plumber.

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Drain cleaning cost after service

Drain cleaning costs an average of $100 to $275 for a toilet, sink, bathtub, or shower drain. Cleaning multiple fixtures or complex mainline clogs at once costs $200-$800. The most cost-effective solution is to clear the clog immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Drain Cleaning Costs by Service Location Average Cost Toilet $100-275 Kitchen Sink $100-220 Sink/Tub/Shower $100-250 Laundry Drain $150-250 Main Line $200-800

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Plumbing costs to unclog a toilet

The average cost for a plumber to clean a toilet is $100 to $275. Plumbers charge based on whether a toilet snake can clear the clog or whether the toilet must be removed to clear the clog. A toilet snake costs $10 to $30 for DIY.

If a bad odor lingers after queuing the toilet, it will cost $10 to $25 to repair the toilet to replace a cracked flange or wax ring. For DIYers, a new toilet wax ring costs $2 to $10.

to replace a cracked flange or wax ring. If you do it yourself, a new toilet wax ring costs . If the backflow is also coming from other drains, the main sewer will likely need to be cleared of tree roots and debris, adding to the overall cost.

Costs for clearing kitchen blockages and waste disposal

The average cost of cleaning a kitchen sink is $100 to $220. When unblocking a sink with a garbage disposal, the plumber first confirms that the appliance is not the problem. Then the drain fitting and drain arm are removed to snake the pipes. If the sink is still clogged after queuing, the garbage disposal replacement costs an average of $185 to $379.

Cost of clearing a clogged drain in a tub or shower

The average cost of a tub drain is $100 to $250. Bathtubs and showers fill up with hair, dirt and soap scum and need to be cleaned regularly. To clear a clogged shower or tub drain, the drain fitting and cover plate must be removed and an auger drain used to clear the clog.

Cost of cleaning the main line drain

Cleaning the main sewer line costs $150 to $800 depending on the method (snakes or water jet), the severity of the clog, accessibility, and the amount of work. The main line is likely clogged when pipes have foul odors or make gurgling noises, multiple faucets drain slowly, or there are sewage backlogs.

A professional plumber should always unclog the main line. Broken, cracked, or collapsed sewer lines may need to be replaced. Sewer line repairs cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 depending on the length and accessibility of the pipe.

Cost of cleaning the plumbing vent

Air vent cleaning costs an average of $100 to $200. Signs that stacks aren’t venting include bad odors, slow draining, gurgling noises, or when someone is flushing one sink and another sink is making noise. Using an open cover or screen at the end of the vent tube will prevent debris from becoming clogged.

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Signs of a clogged drain

The toilet does not bubble, gurgle, or flush

Water is stagnant or pooling near a sink, tub, shower, toilet, or vanity area

Water is slowly draining from the sink, tub, dresser or shower

Several plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time

Bad smells come from drains

Water comes out of a cleaning plug

Common causes of clogged drains

Bathroom sink/tub – hair, dirt, soap scum and toothpaste build-up.

– Hair, dirt, soap residue and toothpaste deposits. Kitchen Sink – Grease, grease, soap scum and food waste from disposal.

– Grease, grease, soap scum and food waste from disposal. Restroom – Accumulation of wipes, pads, paper towels, toilet paper, cat litter and toiletries.

– Deposits in cloths, pads, paper towels, toilet paper, cat litter and ladies’ items. AC Drain – Mold, Mildew, Algae, Fungus, Limescale, Plants and Mineral Deposits.

– Mold, mildew, algae, fungi, lime, plants and mineral deposits. Main Line – Tree roots, broken pipes and debris.

When to call a plumber for a clogged drain

Minor clogs in a single tube can be cleared with a plunger or coiled tubing. Otherwise, a plumber can quickly and safely unclog clogged drains and other plumbing problems. Call a plumber to fix a clog if:

There’s a mess that’s spreading, such as B. sewage backwater, flooding or standing water.

The clog affects multiple plumbing fixtures or every drain in the home; Then there is probably a blockage in the main sewer line.

The clog disables a critical area like the kitchen sink or master bathroom.

Using a plunger or drain snake will not remove the clog.

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DIY cost to unblock a drain

Do-it-yourself pipe cleaning is possible on individual drains with minor blockages. Try these methods before calling a plumber.

DIY Cost to Unlock a Drainage Method Average Cost Plunger $4-$20 Chemical Drain Cleaner $5-$70 Water Powered Pulsating Valve $15-$30 Toilet Drill $10-$15 Snake Rental $30-$80 per day

Use a plunger

Flush and toilet plungers use suction to loosen clogs and pull dirt to the surface. Make sure the plunger is the correct type and size for the device. Turn off the garbage disposal unit and never submerge immediately after using chemical drain cleaner.

Chemical drain cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners such as Drano, Green Gobbler, or Liquid-Plumr are safe to use on plastic pipe or metal pipe if label directions are followed. Avoid using acidic chemical cleaners that contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, which can damage pipes if used incorrectly.

Another way to prevent clogs is to use a homemade drain cleaner with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water.

clean trap

The U-shaped pipe or P-siphon under the tub or sink can be removed to clear clogs.

Place a bucket under the P-siphon. Use pliers to remove the two union nuts. Clean the inside of the siphon with a straight wire hanger or brush. If the siphon is clean, try inserting a drain snake. Reinstall the siphon

Another option is to use a water operated pulsating valve such as B. a Drain King Kit to unclog a clogged P-siphon.

Snake the drain

Hardware stores sell and rent affordable drain snakes to clear clogs. However, using the wrong size or type of coil could push the clog further down the drain, grind it back on itself, or scratch the pipe and cause damage.

If a drain snake can’t clear a clog, or if the main line is clogged, call a professional plumber.

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This will prevent drains from clogging

Regular maintenance is key to preventing clogged drains.

Installing metal screens and siphons traps hair and debris and helps keep drains clean.

Installing a water softener costs an average of $800 to $3,000 and prevents the buildup of minerals that clog pipes.

on average and prevents mineral deposits that clog pipes. Avoid pouring grease, oil or grease down the drain.

Avoid throwing coffee grounds, bones, egg shells, nuts, kernels, corn husks, clams, pasta, oatmeal, onion skins, potato skins, fruit peels, squash, or fibrous vegetables in the trash can.

Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.

An inexpensive homemade drain cleaner made with baking soda and vinegar can fix a bathtub, shower, or sink that’s draining slowly.

Homemade drain cleaner

Here’s how to make a homemade drain cleaning solution:

First, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Next, flush 1 cup baking soda down the drain. Then add a solution of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Cover with the drain plug and wait 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse the drain again with boiling water.

If this solution doesn’t clear the drain, try a stronger chemical solution or hire a plumber.

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frequently asked Questions

How long does it take to snake a drain?

It takes plumbers about five minutes to find a clogged drain near the bathtub, toilet, or sink. Depending on the length and number of pipes involved, clogs in the main line can take hours to unclog.

How much does it cost to replace drain lines?

On rare occasions, severe clogs will require drain lines to be replaced. A drain line repair costs an average of $300 to $1,500 to replace a section of pipe. Prices depend on the drain material, replacement time, location in the home, and accessibility.

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Tips for hiring a plumber for drain cleaning

Before you hire a plumber to unclog your drain, consider the following:

Get at least three estimates to compare.

Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.

Read reviews and see their past work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Select companies that are insured, have liability coverage, and have been in business for more than five years.

Avoid picking the lowest bid as quality may suffer.

Ask for a written guarantee on their work, including all parts.

Avoid large upfront payments and never pay in cash.

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A broken sewer line is not something you want to ignore. Property damage, sewage back-up and potential health hazards are all possible if your clogged or damaged sewer line is not repaired immediately.

The sewer line is the underground pipe that carries all of your sewage from the house to the sewage system. Four of the most common signs of a broken sewer line are multiple slow drains, foul smells in the home, mold or mildew in the basement, and an increased presence of pests.

Plumbing problems aren’t always easy to spot—especially those that occur underground. But hopefully with this list you can tell if you have a broken sewer line or something more (or less) serious.

Slow drains

Slow draining in a fixture usually means you have a simple clog that can be cleared with a plunger or drain snake. However, if you have more than one faucet in your home that is draining slowly, it’s a telltale sign that the blockage is deeper in your plumbing system — usually the sewer line.

Strange odor or smell of gas

If you have a ruptured canal, your nose will tell you. There should never be any smells coming out of your drains. What you might be smelling could be toxic sewer gas slowly but surely making its way to other areas of your home.

mold and mildew

If you find that mold is spreading quickly through your home, particularly in the basement, it could be due to water or sewage backing up from a faulty sewer line.

crawlers and critters

Do you notice a sudden increase in bugs and rodents? It could be a sign of a broken sewer line. Rodents often live in sewers. However, they can make themselves at home in your home by squeezing through the smallest cracks in the sewer line. Likewise, because of the stagnant water, insects see a cracked drainpipe as the perfect breeding ground. This allows insects to multiply quickly.

Repair and replacement of sewer lines

If you’re experiencing one or more of the things on this list, it’s time to call in Rick’s Plumbing to inspect your sewer line. We provide honest recommendations as to whether your sewer line can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced. Make an appointment today at (203) 874-6629.

Cleaning and maintenance of the roof drain:

Hey Seattle, we have a lot of trees and a lot of rain, this can clog your roof drains!

A leaking roof may not come from the roof itself but from clogged roof drains.

Over the years, a roof drain can become clogged with dirt, resulting in a backlog of water that can flow over the roofing and into the home’s attic.

From there, water can penetrate into the ceilings and walls.

Regular maintenance of the roof drains is necessary to avoid a leaking roof. But many homeowners don’t even realize they have a roof drain.

Not all drain problems are solved by a good cleaning. If the drain is old, it may mean you need to replace it to permanently stop the leak. Although this is uncommon, it can happen.

A professional plumber can tell you if the drain is just clogged or needs replacing.

Sometimes homeowners think they have a leaky roof when in fact a pipe in an upstairs bathroom is leaking and migrating through the ceiling.

In such cases, it is not a job for a roofer, but for an experienced plumber.

A roof drain is often used on flat roofs to connect the roof to the drain pipe. However, they need to be cleaned from time to time as they tend to clog. Leaves can form a blockage or small animals can nest on them. As a result, water accumulates on the roof and can lead to leaks that run into the building.

Step 1 – Inspection

If your roof drain is clogged, the first thing you need to do is inspect it. Clear away any leaves or debris around the drain and unscrew the cover. Shine a flashlight down to see if you can see anything obvious, such as: B. nesting animals or a collection of leaves.

If there are animals, you are unlikely to be able to remove them from the top of the drain. In these circumstances, it’s best to seek professional advice on the safest and most ethical way to remove them.

Step 2 – snake

A plumbing snake will be able to clear most clogs. Slowly insert it into the roof drain until the clog is cleared. Depending on how deep or thick the clog is, you may need to repeat this process several times. Continue running the plumbing snake through until the outlet tube clog clears.

Step 3 – hose

Pressurized water also clears a clog from a roof drain and flushes it down to the outlet pipe. Run your hose down the roof drain until it bottoms out at the clog, then turn it on at full power.

Initially, the water will flow back out of the drain, but eventually the pressure of the water will begin to unclog the clog. You can push down with the hose at the same time to unclog the blockage.

After a short time, the blockage is released by the pressure of the water and runs down to the drain pipe. You can tell by the fact that the water suddenly disappears into the roof drain.

Step 4 – Pipe Brush

An alternative to removing a clog is to use a tube brush. Insert the tube brush into the roof drain until it becomes blocked. Keep pushing until you loosen the clog and flush down with water from the hose. The advantage of this method is that no water collects on the roof, so there is no need to remove water afterwards.

Step 5 – Clean the roof drain

Regular cleaning of the roof drain helps prevent clogging and reduces maintenance. It is especially important in autumn when the trees lose their leaves. Around this time, the roof should be cleaned with a brush every month. Even in winter, regular checks should be made to ensure that the roof is free of ice and snow so that it functions properly. At other times of the year, a check every three months should be sufficient.

When the roof is clear of leaves, you can begin cleaning the roof drains. Using the hose, run water through each to make sure it drains easily and unobstructed. Use the brush to remove light debris that may be stuck to the page. Finally, flush again with water and repeat for each drain on the roof.

While you’re up there, it’s a good time to check out the condition of your roof.

If you don’t feel up to the task or don’t have the necessary equipment, turn to professionals to get the job done. In most cases it will be done faster, safer and sometimes cheaper depending on the task.

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A bad smell is usually a sign that something is wrong – especially when it’s a sewage smell.

A sewer smell in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room can indicate a broader problem than clogged plumbing. It could be coming from the sewer itself, requiring immediate action. If the problem is a dried up P-trap, the solution might be as simple as running some water from the faucet. If the problem is a broken vent tube, you may need to seek professional help to fix it.

Can sewage gas not only be unpleasant, but also make you ill? In fact, a strange sewage smell could be harmful to your health. One of the main gases in wastewater is methane, and when it accumulates in large quantities it can become highly flammable. Left untreated, sewage gases can release large amounts of methane into your home, causing headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even asphyxiation.

Unusual sewer smells are not to be ignored. However, finding the source of the smells can be difficult – most of us automatically assume they must be coming from the toilet, but problems can be hiding in many of your home’s water systems, including the shower and washing machine.

We’ve put together this guide to help you track down the source of a sewage smell in your home. Once you’ve identified the source of the odor, we’ll walk you through a few troubleshooting steps to try to solve the problem – but sometimes only a professional can fix a sewage problem.

Common sources of sewer odors in the home

When you smell sewage in your home, your first instinct is probably to inspect the toilet – this seems like the most logical cause of the problem. Sometimes, however, odors linger even after you’ve thoroughly cleaned your toilet and bathroom, and air fresheners and fans aren’t enough to get rid of the odor.

If nothing you try makes the smell go away, you are most likely dealing with a more serious problem. Examine the following areas of your home and see if the smell is getting stronger in certain areas – your nose will be your first clue to finding the source of the sewage smell.

Odors from your shower drain

One of the most common sources of sewage smell isn’t the toilet – if you notice a foul sewage smell in your bathroom, examine the drain in your shower.

A smelly shower drain is usually due to one of two issues: biofilm build-up or a problem with your P-trap.

1. Accumulation of biofilm

When we shower, we use many different products. Body oils, conditioner, shampoo, soap and shaving cream are all washed down the drain along with natural debris like skin cells and hair. Regular cleaning can help alleviate the residue of some of these, but eventually they can build up and cause problems like clogs, slow drainage, and fumes. Over time, these substances often build up along the water trap and vertical pipes that run under your shower.

This accumulation is called biofilm. As it builds, the biofilm begins to release a sewage odor of bacteria and decomposing debris. The bacteria give off a sticky substance that allows them to stick to the side of your pipes, making them difficult to remove without special products.

After all, that sewage smell makes itself felt throughout the bathroom, not just in the shower or bath.

Here’s how to fix it: Usually, getting rid of the shower drain biofilm and the odors it causes is a simple process that doesn’t require a plumber. To get rid of the odors from your bathroom, you need to remove the dirt that feeds the bacteria in the drain.

Make an all-natural DIY cleanser using baking soda, boiling water, and distilled white vinegar. Follow the steps below to remove biofilm from your pipes.

Use a screwdriver to remove the shower drain. Next, boil between five and ten liters of water. Allow the water to cool to 150 degrees Fahrenheit before slowly pouring it down the shower drain. Follow the water with a cup of white distilled vinegar. Immediately after pouring the vinegar, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. After two hours, pour a gallon of hot water down the shower drain. Finally, run a drain brush down the drain to remove any remaining residue.

Creating a DIY solution is a simple and easy way to get rid of sewage odors in your shower drain. However, this smell may linger even after you have cleaned it using these steps. You should still consult a professional to avoid accidentally damaging your drain or faucets. In any case, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber to check your water system. They can help you get rid of the unpleasant smell of drains in your house.

2. Dry P-trap

Another common cause of sewer gas odor in the home is a dry P-trap. P-traps are the U-shaped stainless steel or PVC pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks and near toilets. Their shape means they hold enough water to prevent gases and vapors from escaping the pipe and into your home. They are great innovations that offer a few different benefits:

Defend Against Clogs: P-Traps are designed to clear clogs and keep your drain working properly. When these traps are effective, they clear away excess debris and prevent you from having to spend money on repairs.

Stop Sewage Gases Seeping: P-Traps also stop those bad odors from entering your home. This is a key benefit of a P-trap as these gases can be potentially harmful.

Catch Personal Items: It’s very easy to lose something small down the drain. This can be a big problem when dealing with a valuable personal item like a wedding ring or necklace. Luckily, P-Traps may have the added functional benefit of catching those small items before they go down your drain.

The P-trap is a U-shaped tube for catching and holding water. When working properly, a P-Siphon is designed to hold enough water to prevent gases and odors from seeping from the sewer into your drain.

If you don’t use your shower often, the water could simply have evaporated from the P-siphon. However, if you frequently turn on your shower and still notice a sewage smell coming from your drain, it may indicate a more serious problem. For example, your P-trap could leak and prevent it from holding water.

How to fix: A dry P-trap can be easy or difficult to fix depending on why it’s dry.

If you don’t use your shower often, the water might have evaporated. Luckily, you can solve this problem quickly — turn on your shower and let the water run for a few minutes to refill the P-trap. The water should be enough to refill the P-trap and prevent sewer gases from entering your bathroom. If the smell persists, try pouring a quart of water down every drain in your home, including the sink and toilet.

If the smell persists after running water through all the drains, you’re probably dealing with an old or leaking water trap. For best results, consult a professional plumber to inspect and replace your P-trap.

smells from your toilet

smells from your toilet

The first place you will likely look when you smell sewage is your toilet. While this doesn’t always have to be the source of a bad smell, it’s definitely a place to look for foul, penetrating odors.

You can usually fix a bad-smelling toilet with a quick cleaning, a few flushes, and some air freshener. However, sometimes an odor doesn’t go away no matter how many times you clean your bathroom.

There are several possible reasons why your bathroom smells like sewage. Some of the most common are an improperly installed or cut vent pipe, a cracked or loose gasket, or a damaged toilet.

1. Improperly installed or cut vent tube

If the walls near your toilet are giving off a persistent sewage odor, the cause could be an improperly installed or cut vent pipe.

The vent pipe helps regulate the air pressure in your home’s plumbing system. Vent pipes also divert odors outside of your home so they don’t get into your home or bathroom. However, sometimes contractors install vent pipes improperly, which can result in them channeling odors into your bathroom.

How to fix it: A professional plumber can help you troubleshoot a vent pipe problem. In cases of poor installation, an experienced plumber can quickly diagnose the problem and install new pipe.

Sometimes a vent pipe develops cracks that can allow odors to enter your home. To find cracks, a plumber uses a smoke machine to fill the pipe. Once the smoke appears they will track it to the source of the leak and fix the pipe.

2. Broken or loose seal

If your toilet smells like sewage, it could have a broken or loose seal.

The toilet is attached to the drain by two different seals. If these seals are loose, broken, or improperly installed, sewage gases could enter your bathroom. An indication of a broken seal is when the toilet bowl does not fill normally.

If water and sewage leaks out of a seal, a bad odor does not have to be caused by sewage gases. Sometimes water collects in crevices in and around your toilet, attracting bacteria. As the bacteria grow, they produce a foul odor.

Sometimes a toilet will leak from the wax ring that seals the toilet drain and prevents water from spilling out. If the toilet bowl is loose, it may damage the wax ring, resulting in sewage leakage and bad smells.

Your toilet could also be broken, cracked or otherwise damaged. For example, it may have snapped around the screws that attach it to the floor, or because a drain snake was used too aggressively. Even small cracks can allow gas from the sewer system to seep into your bathroom.

How to fix the problem: If the problem is a broken or loose seal, a fresh coat of caulk is often enough to fix the problem. Apply caulk to the gaskets on your toilet and to the screw holes that attach the toilet to the floor.

Check to see if your toilet bowl is wobbly or loose – if it is, the wax ring may have broken. To fix it, reset the toilet with a new toilet ring.

If the toilet itself appears to be broken, contact a professional plumbing service for repairs.

smells from your sink

Sometimes a sulphurous smell comes out of your sink.

A smelly sink can have many causes – just like a shower drain, it could have a dry P-siphon for example. However, another common source of odor is accumulation in the overflow.

1. Accumulation in overflow

If you notice that your sink smells like sewage, check if it has an overflow mechanism.

Many sinks have a hole near the top that provides water drainage and prevents overflow from entering the bathroom. Like anything near water, your sink can quickly develop dirt and mold, especially in the overflow area.

How to fix it: Luckily, cleaning the overflow is an easy project. All you need is water, bleach and a small bottle brush.

Use a small bottle brush to scrub the inside of the overflow area and remove any debris. Next, mix up a solution of half water and half chlorine bleach. Apply the solution to the spill area with the bottle brush to eliminate any remaining bacteria or odor.

If the odors don’t go away after a thorough cleaning, contact a professional plumbing service to examine your sink.

Odors from your washing machine

When you notice your house smelling like sewage, the first place you look is probably the bathroom. However, if you can’t find the source of the smell, investigate your washing machine – the source of the problem could be hiding in your laundry room.

The most common causes of a washing machine smelling of sewage are improperly installed siphons, clogged drains, or clogged vent pipes.

1. Incorrectly installed P-Trap

P-Siphons aren’t just for your bathroom – they’re essential for washing machines too. However, unlike many bathroom pipes, modern washing machines have a flexible drain hose. The waste water from a washing machine flows through this flexible hose into the drain box pipe, which is connected to the P-Siphon.

Because the hose is flexible, it can easily be improperly installed. The hose may have been inserted too far into the drainage box, preventing the P-siphon from working. This allows odors to enter your home.

How to solve the problem: To solve this problem, try to pull the washing machine drain hose out of the drain box. Stop when the hose is about 20cm deep in the pipe – this will allow the P-trap to work properly and prevent waste gas from escaping into the room.

2. Drain clogs

Another common reason for a bad smelling washing machine is a clogged drain pipe.

A clog in the drain line will result in a build-up of organic matter such as hair and soap. Bacteria build up on the clog and create an unpleasant odor similar to the smell of sewage. If left untreated, a clog will build up, getting bigger and bigger and producing more noticeable odors.

How to fix it: Fortunately, a clogged drain is easy to fix. Use a drain snake to remove any blockages in the drain line. If the clog doesn’t clear, call a professional plumber to look at your drain and washing machine.

3. Clogging of vent pipe

As with your bathroom plumbing, washing machines require vent ducting. All drainage systems in your home must be properly vented to prevent sewage gases from entering your home.

When a vent pipe is clogged, duct air cannot escape through your home. This situation often results in odor leaks, and they typically come from the walls around the vent pipe.

How to fix: To check for clogs in your vent pipes, you need to access your roof. Bring a flashlight and shine a beam down the vent pipes. Look for obstacles like bird nests or other debris. Try to loosen or remove them with a snake or other long tool.

For best results, work with a plumber to solve the problem – professional plumbers have the knowledge and tools to safely and quickly unclog vent pipes.

odors from your water

If you notice a sulfur-like odor when you turn on the faucet, the problem may go deeper than a clogged drain. Before you assume your water is the problem, try a few troubleshooting steps.

Use a de-clogging solution to clear debris in the pipes. After giving the cleaning material time to set in, pour a glass of water down the drain and walk away from the sink. Smell the water – if it still has an odor, you may have bacteria in your water heater, or your water may contain hydrogen sulfide.

1. Bacteria in your water heater

If the odor is only noticeable when using hot water, the problem is most likely with your water heater.

Occasionally, colonies of bacteria can colonize a water heater if the temperature of your heater is too low or you leave it off for a long time. Fortunately, the bacteria shouldn’t be harmful to humans, so your health isn’t at risk. However, the bacteria in the house create a strong smell of rotten eggs, which restricts water enjoyment.

How to fix it: If bacteria are thriving in your water heater, you can try increasing the temperature of your heater for up to 24 hours. Run the hot water faucets to flush the pipes of any remaining bacteria.

Remember to tread carefully if you decide to increase the temperature of your water heater – it’s easy to forget that your water is hotter than average, which can result in burns.

2. Hydrogen sulfide in your water

If your water smells bad, whether it’s hot or cold, the problem may be with your water source. Highly concentrated amounts of hydrogen sulfide create a strong smell of sulfur in the home.

Although hydrogen sulfide can be toxic in large quantities, it is usually easy to spot before it reaches harmful levels. Humans can detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide from as little as 0.5 parts per million (PPM) — levels less than 1 PPM produce a musty odor, and levels between 1 and 2 PPM have an odor similar to rotten eggs.

In most cases, the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water is more of an aesthetic issue than a health concern, as you can smell traces of it before it becomes significant. Hydrogen sulfide is mainly found in wells drilled in shale and limestone. It can also be present in homes that have just had water softeners installed, as these can often create an environment conducive to the gas. Large amounts of hydrogen sulfide can make your water too polluted to drink or bathe comfortably.

Here’s how to fix it: If you suspect your water source contains hydrogen sulfide, contact your local water testing lab to have your water tested for contaminants. These professionals may be able to help uncover that sewage smell in your home.

If you need a plumber

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when trying to figure out why your home smells like sewage.

Many sources of sewage odors are easy to fix at home. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable fixing a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing service – professionals can solve your plumbing problems quickly and efficiently.

Some issues are beyond the expertise of the average homeowner. One problem in particular usually requires a plumber’s knowledge: a sewage backup.

The most obvious sign of a sewage backlog is overflowing drains. If your shower and toilet drains suddenly start gurgling with rancid water, you’re most likely dealing with a major sewage problem.

Sewage backwater often results from major events such as floods, tree roots or damaged pipes. Here are some of the most common problems behind a tucked away sewer.

Blockages in a Plumbing Main: Sometimes debris blockages gradually accumulate in the city’s plumbing main. Over time, these clogs can cause sewage to seep down your basement or bathroom drains.

Tree Root Invasion: Trees or shrubs can send roots deep into the ground in search of water. Sometimes these strong roots can damage sewer lines and cause sewage to leak. In severe cases, the roots can cause clogs in the mains, resulting in a backlog of sewage.

Cracked or Collapsed Sewage Lines: If you live in an older home or neighborhood, your sewage backup could be the result of cracked, broken, or collapsed sewer lines.

Floods: The surge of water from floods can force sewage down drains and into your home.

In such situations, your first course of action is to call an emergency installer. You can assess the situation and determine whether the problem comes from tree roots or the city sewage system.

Work with a team you can trust

When it comes to a plumbing emergency, work with a team you can trust.

Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning water heater or a smelly laundry room, the professional team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse is here to help. For nearly five decades, Mr. Rooter has been the nation’s most trusted provider of plumbing and repairs. We offer fair upfront price estimates with no hidden overtime charges and aim to provide the highest level of customer service possible.

If you notice an unpleasant sewer odor in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room at night or during the day, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We have a 24/7 emergency plumbing service to help you whenever you need it.

For plumbing and repairs, or to fix a stubborn sewage odor, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse today.

Getting Rid of Septic Tank Smells A well-maintained septic tank should never smell, so spotting a foul odor coming from inside or outside does not bode well. The smell could either be a sign of something serious or something minor. In both cases something is wrong and it stinks! Foul septic tanks are caused by a buildup of gases in the system that are too acidic for the system’s microorganisms to digest. Not only are these odors disgusting, but high concentrations of these gases can be toxic or even explosive. A dysfunctional septic system can be dangerous and expensive to repair. Luckily, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service is here to save the day and teach you how to beat those smells and emerge victorious! If you have any doubts or are having problems, contact us to arrange a septic tank repair or to find out more about all of the septic tank services we offer for your system.

Watch out for a full septic tank

This is probably the most common problem with your septic tank and one of the easiest to solve. Too much waste in the tank can cause clogs, which in turn can cause that foul smell to permeate both inside and outside of your home. This shouldn’t be a problem if you have your septic tank pumped regularly, so it could indicate that there is another problem with your septic tank. If you haven’t serviced your tank for a while, we recommend arranging a pump service. We recommend pumping out your waste every 3-5 years depending on your usage and the size of your tank. Septic tank cleaning is essential to keep your sewage system in good working order.

Check your roof vents

Sanitary ventilation shafts allow drains to vent air through the roof. When an exhaust stack isn’t working properly, the air pressure in the ductwork can’t equalize and the waste doesn’t flow properly. The ventilation system connects the water pipe system to the outside area and allows air to flow in and out of the drain pipe as required. This can create an unpleasant odor and gurgling noises from the toilet, and even slow down the drain. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by debris like leaves, snow, or landscaping. If you find a blockage, carefully remove it or contact a professional.

Use an activated charcoal cover

By using activated charcoal, you can remove strong and unwanted odors; Simply place the activated carbon filter over the top of your vent! Homeowners report finding that activated charcoal works better than using filters formulated with activated charcoal. These devices are great for getting rid of the smell, but using an activated charcoal cover will only mask the underlying problem if the problem is more severe. Contact our local plumbers today for more information on how we can help you remove septic tank odor and to schedule an appointment for professional plumbing work.

Try a do-it-yourself solution

If you are looking for an easy solution using materials you can find at home, this might be the solution for you! Grab some baking soda and pour a cup of it down a toilet or drain. This should be done about once a week, which will help maintain a good pH (between 6.8 and 7.6) for the microorganisms. After the baking soda is down the drain, be careful not to use too much water. Additional water or liquids will flush the soda out of the system and push the waste out of the tank even before the microorganisms have digested it, which can leave you in a smelly situation. Please avoid flushing down the toilet what the microorganisms cannot digest, such as coffee grounds, cigarette butts or tampons. These can cause pipe clogs that can lead to backflow of waste water. Health hazards and expensive repairs can be the result. Make sure you flush only human waste and toilet paper.

Above all, it is important to have the annual septic tank maintenance performed by a professional septic tank contractor. Read our guide to caring for your septic system for more information.