How to Clear a Blocked Vent Tube on a House

Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where a clog is in the drain when more than one drain is having problems. While the first conclusion is something in the main drain, sometimes the problem is in the vent tube that runs from the drains through the roof of the house. The vent tube pulls air into the drain lines when flushing toilets or draining the sink. Sometimes leaves and other debris cause clogs in the vent tube just below the roof line. The best way to clear a blocked vent tube on the house is with a regular garden hose.

Garden hose with inline nozzle (possibly two hoses connected together)
Helper
Extension ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Attach an inline spray nozzle on the end of a garden hose. An inline sprayer is available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Connect the other end of the garden hose to an outside spigot. Depending upon how much hose you need to reach the vent tube, it might be necessary to connect two hoses together.
- 2
  Position an extension ladder against the house as close to the vent pipe as possible. Ask you helper to hold the ladder while you climb to the roof with the nozzle end of the hose.
- 3
  Twist the inline spray nozzle to the off position and ask your helper to turn on the water spigot. Pull enough hose onto the roof that you have some slack to feed down the tube.
- 4
  Position the spray nozzle into the top of the vent tube and twist it to the open position. Slowly feed the hose down the vent tube. The pressure from the water will break up any leaves, nests or debris and flush it into the drain. A gurgling or vacuum sound indicates the clog is clear.
- 5
  Ask your helper to turn off the water spigot once you hear the vent pipe flush clear. Pull the garden hose out of the vent tube.

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