How to clean plumbing vent pipes.
How to clean a roof vent pipe.
For those items you can t remove from above run the plumber s snake down the vent pipe.
The top of the vent pipe.
Remove any items you can reach.
Remove the vent pipe cap if required inspect the inside of the vent pipe with a bright flashlight.
Feed the end of a garden hose down the vent pipe and have someone on the ground turn on the water.
There should be clamps that connect the exhaust pipe of the dryer to the vent.
You will need to use a vacuum to clean out the length of the vent and unless you have access to an industrial vacuum it is unlikely that you ll be able to do this from the roof.
Have an assistant flush a toilet while you hold your hand over the vent.
Be sure the feet of the ladder are firmly planted on level ground and the top extends 3 feet above.
Bring a screwdriver and a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle with you when you climb onto the roof.
Cut out a section of the vent.
If you don t feel suction the line is blocked further down.
Get yourself up on your roof using a ladder that is properly secured.
Grab the debris if you can see it and test your pipes.
Then try the following.
Turn the handle to push the head through the blockage.
If you can t entirely remove the clog with your snake use a garden hose to flush out remaining debris.
Feed the cable bit by bit until you hit a barrier.
A 10 to 20 foot length is recommended.
Water will begin to drain when you have succeeded.
Start by trying to clean the roof vent and main drain with a hand held drum auger.
How to clear a plumbing vent without getting on a roof step 1.
Slow draining and gurgling plumbing fixtures could be a sign of a clogged roof vent.
Steps to unclog a drain from the roof.
Use a plumber s snake of electricians fish tape to unclog the stoppage.
Climb into the attic and locate the vent pipe as it passes through the attic.
If the pipe won t drain you ll need to try the auger.
And on homes that do not have a main drain cleanout accessing a clogged main drain through the roof vent could be your best option.
Before climbing up to the roof get behind the dryer to vacuum out the vent.
Look up on the roof from the ground below and locate the vent pipe s position.
Withdraw the cable debris often comes with it.
