If you’re like most homeowners, you know exactly where your HVAC vents are and can tell when they’re damaged or clogged with debris. But can you say the same for your plumbing vents? If not, those vents are located within your walls and exit your home through the roof. If you take a look at the top of your house, you should see one or more pipes poking up through the roofing: those are your plumbing vents.

If you’re unfamiliar with the location of your plumbing vents, then you’re likely also unfamiliar with the signs that indicate they may be having problems. Luckily, our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating can help you out with that! Below, you’ll find the three most common signs that something’s wrong with your plumbing vents.

1. Gurgling Drains

Your plumbing vents introduce air into your home’s waste drainage pipes, and that air allows liquid waste to move through the pipes unimpeded. But when you have a clogged plumbing vent, air cannot move into the drainage pipes as it should, which will cause uneven pressure within the drainage system. 

What happens when there’s uneven air pressure in your plumbing system? Your drains start making noises when you use them. If your drains are still working as they should but you’ve noticed weird gurgling sounds when you take a shower or flush the toilet, those noises may indicate a plumbing vent problem.

If, on the other hand, you hear gurgling and see that your drains aren’t emptying efficiently, that’s a sign of a blocked drain. Regardless of what might be triggering the gurgle, it’s best to call in a plumber to fix the problem as soon as you notice it.

2. Sluggish Drainage

Have your drains been moving slower than usual lately? That may be a sign of clogged or otherwise damaged plumbing vents. When one or more vents are clogged, they cannot regulate air pressure within the plumbing system, which will cause liquids to move through the pipes more slowly than normal.

But slow drains can also indicate an impending drain blockage, so it’s in your best interest to have a plumber diagnose the problem. Whether it’s the plumbing vents or the drain itself causing the issue, a plumber can easily snake the offending component to remove the blockage and restore proper flow. 

3. Sewage Odors

Aside from providing the airflow that your pipes need to drain properly, your plumbing vents also allow unpleasant odors to escape your plumbing system. But when those vents are clogged, those odorous gases cannot exit the plumbing system as they should, which means they’ll eventually start wafting into your home.

If you’ve detected a sewage-like odor building up inside your house, that may be an indication that your plumbing vents are blocked. But off-putting drain odors can also indicate problems with your mainline drain, which can be far more serious than blocked plumbing vents.

Whenever you notice sewage odors inside your home, contact a plumber as soon as you can. The more promptly you’re able to identify a source of those odors, the better your chances of remedying the problem before it grows severe.

Need a Reliable Plumber Near Wisconsin Rapids?

Think your plumbing vents might be having issues? Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating for help! We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Wausau, and Marshfield, and offer satisfaction guarantees on all our work. To learn more or get started, feel free to call us today at 715-421-1800 or request a service estimate online, and we’ll be in touch with additional information.