How to Keep a Roof Vent Clear

To keep the sewer system in your home in the best working order, make sure the roof vents stay clear of debris. The pipes that carry waste out of your house and into your city's system need air to keep the contents moving along, and the roof vents provide that ventilation. At least once per year, it's a good idea to clear out the roof vents, so recruit a helper and plan to get up on the roof.

Rubber-soled shoes
Ladder
Garden hose
Plumber's snake, optional

Instructions

- 1
  Climb up onto the roof using the ladder. Always wear shoes with good traction. Never go onto the roof in wet or icy weather.
- 2
  Carry the open end of the garden hose with you to the rooftop. Locate one of the roof vents, generally located above the bathroom area. Examine the opening for any debris within reach of your fingers. Remove any items blocking the opening of the roof vent.
- 3
  Insert the end of the hose into the roof vent. Signal your helper to turn on the water to the garden hose. Aim a blast of water into the vent and adjust the spray nozzle to create a more forceful spray. Listen for debris, like leaves and spider webs, to loosen and flush down.
- 4
  Remove the hose from the vent and climb down the ladder.

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