Start by trying to clean the roof vent and main drain with a hand held drum auger.
How to clean a roof vent pipe.
If you don t feel suction the line is blocked further down.
If you can t see the clog grab.
Bring a screwdriver and a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle with you when you climb onto the roof.
Then try the following.
If you can t entirely remove the clog with your snake use a garden hose to flush out remaining debris.
If the pipe won t drain you ll need to try the auger.
Steps to unclog a drain from the roof.
Set up a ladder so you can climb on the roof.
You will need to use a vacuum to clean out the length of the vent and unless you have access to an industrial vacuum it is unlikely that you ll be able to do this from the roof.
How to clear a plumbing vent without getting on a roof step 1.
For those items you can t remove from above run the plumber s snake down the vent pipe.
Be sure the feet of the ladder are firmly planted on level ground and the top extends 3 feet above.
A 10 to 20 foot length is recommended.
Cut out a section of the vent.
Remove any items you can reach.
Climb into the attic and locate the vent pipe as it passes through the attic.
Have an assistant flush a toilet while you hold your hand over the vent.
Slow draining and gurgling plumbing fixtures could be a sign of a clogged roof vent.
The top of the vent pipe.
Feed the end of a garden hose down the vent pipe and have someone on the ground turn on the water.
Water will begin to drain when you have succeeded.
How to clean plumbing vent pipes.
Remove the vent pipe cap if required inspect the inside of the vent pipe with a bright flashlight.
Get yourself up on your roof using a ladder that is properly secured.
Grab the debris if you can see it and test your pipes.
Withdraw the cable debris often comes with it.
Use a plumber s snake of electricians fish tape to unclog the stoppage.
Turn the handle to push the head through the blockage.
And on homes that do not have a main drain cleanout accessing a clogged main drain through the roof vent could be your best option.
Look up on the roof from the ground below and locate the vent pipe s position.
Feed the cable bit by bit until you hit a barrier.
