So, what clogs a pipe that is supposed to stay dry? The answer is a grim little anthology of neglect.
The silence is beautiful. No gurgle. No burp. Just the smooth, quiet rush of water doing what it does best: falling, with a perfect breath of air behind it. You’ve unplugged the lungs of your home. vent stack clogged
To avoid a clogged vent stack in the future: So, what clogs a pipe that is supposed to stay dry
You need a ladder, a flashlight, and a strong stomach. After locating the vent pipe (a small, gray or black PVC or cast-iron stub poking out of the shingles), you shine the light down into the abyss. If you see daylight, you’re fine. If you see darkness, or a mat of squirrel nest, you’ve found the culprit. No gurgle
: A dry P-trap caused by a lack of air pressure can allow sewer smells to drift into the home. Some Reddit users report these smells appearing specifically when the vent stack is exposed to direct sunlight.
You reach for the plunger. You unscrew the P-trap. You pour a gallon of industrial drain cleaner down the pipes. Nothing works.
The fix is not in the basement. It is on the roof.