Why Your Plumbing System Needs Air

Why Your Plumbing System Needs Air

February 14, 2020

Air is to HVAC as water is plumbing—right? Not really. You see, the different plumbing fixtures in your home plumbing system need something called a “plumbing vent,” in order to operate properly and safely. These plumbing vents are essentially pipes that are attached to water pipes and extend from there to the outside of your home. Plumbing vents maintain the water pressure in your plumbing system and prevent excess odors. Still doesn’t make sense? Don’t worry because the pros at Acree are here to help! Read our helpful blog on why your plumbing system needs air vents to operate efficiently!

Vents Use Air to Regulate Water Pressure

As we mentioned before, the plumbing vents attached to your water pipes regulate the water pressure. This is especially helpful in waste pipes as maintaining consistent pressure in waste pipes prevents other problems such as backing up, odors making their way into your home, etc. Fresh air makes its way through the vent pipes and into water pipes so water can flow smoothly through drainpipes. Keep in mind that while vents regulate water pressure, they only do so through fresh air—there is no water in vents.

Vents also Prevent Odors

Each plumbing fixture has a trap which is a bend in the fixture’s pipe. The trap retains a small amount of water, which creates a seal and prevents from making their way into your home. The vents keep the water pressure regulated in the trap. Not only that, vent pipes also allow oxygen into the waste pipes, which break bacteria down. Lastly, vent pipes allow these sewer gases to escape outside rather than stay inside your home, leading to not only odors but drastic health effects.

Issues with Plumbing Vents

Sometimes your plumbing vents might face some problems, which can create more issues for your home’s plumbing system. One of the most common problems is a vent becoming blocked – a clogged or blocked vent won’t be able to regulate water pressure in your drainpipes. In addition, it won’t be able to keep sewage odors away from your home. Here are some signs that indicate a clogged vent pipe:

• Gurgling sounds from your sink, tub or any drains.
• Standing water or water that drains slowly in your sink or bathtub. Check to see if you can unclog these drains with an auger or a plunger—if these techniques don’t work, you most likely have a clogged vent
• Odors—Since your plumbing vents are clogged, they won’t be able to keep these odors away from your home.

Learn More About Your Plumbing Vents with Acree!

If you want to learn more about why your plumbing system needs air or about plumbing vents in general, contact the pros at Acree! Our team of experienced technicians will be happy to answer your questions and assist you with all your plumbing needs. Call us today at 800-937-6736 or schedule an appointment online!

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