How to clear a plumbing vent without getting on a roof step 1.
How to clean a roof vent.
Remove the vent cover with the screwdriver and set it aside.
Set up a ladder so you can climb on the roof.
Turn the water on before you bring the hose onto the roof.
Look inside the vent opening and clear out any debris you find.
This old house plumbing and heating expert richard trethewey employs his detective skills to find and clear a stubborn clog.
Before you attempt any.
You will need to use a vacuum to clean out the length of the vent and unless you have.
Cleaning the vent 1.
Bring a screwdriver and a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle with you when you climb onto the roof.
If you don t feel suction the line is blocked further down.
Cut out a section of the vent.
If you can t entirely remove the clog with your snake use a garden hose to flush out remaining debris.
Remove any items you can reach.
Remove the guard to the dryer vent.
You might need to run a drain cleaner through your roof vent if it s clogged or if this is the easiest way to access a clogged main drain.
If you notice that your soffit vents are dirty don t wait.
You should clean soffit eave and other types of attic air intake vents at least every couple of years if not annually.
Peel back shingles that obstruct the vent on the roof.
If the vent.
Once you have safely ascended onto the roof examine the area.
Clean the vents a short blast of compressed air will blow out debris.
Climb into the attic and locate the vent pipe as it passes through the attic.
Start by trying to clean the roof vent and main drain with a hand held drum auger.
Before you attempt any work.
The top of the vent pipe.
Have an assistant flush a toilet while you hold your hand over the vent.
See below for tools subscribe.
Vacuum on the ground floor.
Look up on the roof from the ground below and locate the vent pipe s position.
Use a plumber s snake of electricians fish tape to unclog the stoppage.
For those items you can t remove from above run the plumber s snake down the vent pipe.
Feed the end of a garden hose down the vent pipe and have someone on the ground turn on the water.