We often see many things on our roofs—vents, chimneys, and gutters to solar panels, among other things. But we often overlook the roof vent pipe. Most of us don’t think much about it, but there are a few things we should know.
Roof vent pipes play an essential role in our homes. They are there to ensure the plumbing system in our homes works appropriately. Without them, the water systems in our homes would not flow properly, causing severe issues.
We often get asked, “should roof vent pipes be covered?” The answer is yes! Covering your roof pipes is crucial because it helps protect them from the elements. Things like snow, ice, and debris can damage or clog these pipes, leading to costly repairs.
What is a Roof Vent Pipe?
A roof vent pipe is a type of plumbing fixture that is installed on the roof of a building. The purpose of a roof vent pipe is to allow air to enter the sewer system and prevent sewage gases from entering the building. A roof vent pipe is a stack vent or plumbing vent.
There are various plumbing vents, but a plastic pipe is the most common. These pipes are usually white or black and are about 3-4 inches in diameter. The second type of roof vent pipe is the metal pipe.
These pipes are usually made of galvanized steel or copper and are much larger in diameter than plastic ones. They are installed on the roof to allow air to enter the plumbing system and help keep the water flowing properly.
How does Roof Vent Pipes Work?
The plumbing vent runs vertically through a roof. It connects to the main drainpipe, which carries wastewater and sewage away from the house, allowing air to enter the drainpipe so the water can flow freely. The drain pipes then connect to the sewer system or septic tank (depending on what you have).
The roof vent pipe allows air to enter the drain system, which is necessary for the water to flow freely. If no air is in the drainpipe, the water will be stagnant, causing odors and attracting pests. They also prevent water from sucking out the p-traps designed to keep sewer gases (methane gas) from escaping your home.
Should Roof Vent Be Covered?
Ideally, it is not a must to cover your roof vent if you want to protect it from rainwater. The roof vent is already a part of the drainage system, which is already wet most of the time.
However, if you are in an area with a lot of wind or storm, it is recommended that you cover your roof vent to protect it from debris and other materials that the wind can blow. In addition, if you live in an area with a lot of snow, it is also recommended to cover your roof vent to prevent snow from blocking the ventilation.
Using a vent cap (vent boot), you can cover your roof vent. Vent caps are made of different materials such as plastic, rubber, or metal. They are also available in different sizes to fit most standard roof vents. You can either purchase a cover at your local hardware store or online.
It is essential to select a vent boot that is durable and weatherproof. You can also buy a vent boot with a built-in screen to keep out leaves, insects, and other small animals.
Benefits of Covering Roof Vent Pipe
Covering your roof vent pipe can have many benefits. Below are some of the most common benefits:
1. Protection from Animals and Pests
Animals and pests are often attracted to the warmth of vent pipes. And if they can access your vents, they may be able to enter your home and build their nests there.
Over time, these nests pile up and block your air vent. Covering your vents can deter animals and pests from making themselves home in your vent pipes.
2. Prevention of Ice Dams
Ice and snow can build up on your roof and around your vent pipes in the winter. When this happens, it can create an ice dam. Ice dams can stop melting snow and ice from draining properly, leading to the blockage of your air vents.
In extreme cases, the weight of the ice and snow can cause your roof to collapse. By covering your vents, you can help prevent ice dams from forming.
3. Prevention of Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion can occur when water or moisture can get into contact with metal surfaces. This is especially true for roof pipes constantly exposed to the elements.
When left uncovered, roof vents are more susceptible to rust and corrosion, causing them to deteriorate over time. Covering them can help prevent these issues and extend your vent pipes’ life.
4. Prevents Leaking
While there would be no harm in rainwater entering your vent pipes, it could start to cause leaks over time. If left unchecked, these leaks can lead to severe water damage in your home. Covering your vents can help prevent water from entering and causing leaks.
5. Helps to keep your home warm
In the winter, heat rises and escapes through any openings in your home. This includes your roof vents. Covering your vents can help keep heat from escaping and make your home more energy-efficient.
Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it will also help to keep your home warmer overall.
6. Reduced Noise
Noise is always a nuisance, but it can be incredibly bothersome if it’s coming from your roof. If your vents are left uncovered, they can amplify noise, making them more disruptive to you and your family. By covering your vents, you can help reduce the amount of noise that enters your home.
7. Aesthetics
Everyone loves a stunning home! For this reason, an uncovered vent pipe sticking out of your roof will always be an eyesore.
One way to improve the appearance of your home is by covering your vents. Doing so can add a touch of style and sophistication to your home’s exterior.
How to Tell if Your Plumbing Vent is Clogged
Telling if you have a clogged vent can sometimes be challenging, and you might need a professional plumber to assist you. After all, you can’t see it, and you may not even think to check it until you start having problems with your drains.
Luckily, a few telltale signs can help determine if your vent is clogged.
1. Gurgling Sounds from Toilet Drains
When you flush, a gurgling sound from the toilet indicates that your plumbing vent is clogged. This is because the air causes a gurgling sound in the drain line to be forced out through the small opening in the P-trap. A blockage can cause this in the vent, preventing air from getting into the drain line.
Hard to relate? Let’s look at this in this practical example;
You have a cold drink and take a sip through a straw. The displaced air has to go somewhere, so it goes back up the straw and into your drink. This is what happens when your vent is clear and working correctly.
This happens when your plumbing vent is clogged; the air has nowhere to go but back up the drain line, making gurgling sounds. Now imagine if the straw was blocked. The air would have nowhere to go but back up into your drink, making it fizzy and hard to drink.
2. Slow Draining Sinks
If you notice that your sinks are draining slower than usual, it could indicate that your plumbing vent is clogged.
When the vent is clogged, it prevents air from getting into the drain line, and this can cause a vacuum to form. The vacuum will slow down the drainage of water from the sink.
3. Dry P-Traps
The P-trap is the U-shaped portion of the drain line that holds water and prevents sewer gases from coming into your home.
If the P-trap is dry, it has no water, indicating that the vent is clogged. This is because the vent is needed to balance the air pressure in the P-trap and replenish the water.
4. Water Backs up in Another Drain when One is Used
If you observe that water backs up in another drain when you use one, it is a good indication that your plumbing vent is clogged.
This happens because the vacuum created when one drain is used can cause water to be sucked back up through the other drain.
5. Bad Smells Coming From Drains
A foul smell from one or more of your drains indicates a clogged plumbing vent. The foul smell is caused by the gases produced when water decomposes.
These gases are typically vented out through the roof, but when the vent is clogged, the gases have nowhere to go but back up the drain line.
6. Sewage Backup
If you experience a sewage backup, it strongly indicates that your plumbing vent is clogged. This happens because the blockage in the vent prevents the sewage from being able to vent out through the roof properly.
As a result, the sewage has nowhere to go but back up through the drain line and into your home.
How to Keep Plumbing Vent Clog-Free
A clogged or improperly installed plumbing vent can cause problems in your home, including slow drains, gurgling toilets, and foul odors. The good news is that you can do some simple things to keep your vents clear and functioning correctly.
Cover your Roof Vent
One of the most important things you can do is ensure that your roof vent pipe is covered. This will keep debris from getting into the pipe and clogging it. You should also check the pipe regularly for any blockages or damage.
Clean Away Leaves or Debris
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily clog your plumbing vents. Ensure you clean away any leaves or debris lurking around the pipe. You can use a garden hose to remove stubborn debris. This will also help keep animals from nesting in the pipe.
Cover it During Roof Repairs
Ensure that the workers cover the vent pipe if your roof is repaired or replaced. This will prevent debris from falling into the pipe and causing a clog.
Install a screen
If you live in an area with many insects, installing a screen over your vent pipe is a good idea. This will keep bugs from getting into the pipe and causing a blockage.
Use Plumbing Vent Tablets
Plumbing vent tablets are designed to help keep your vents clear and free of clogs. Drop one tablet into each vent pipe once a month. These tablets release a harmless gas that will break up any clogs forming in the pipe.
Regularly Inspect your Pipes
Inspecting your plumbing vents at least once a year is a good idea. This will allow you to catch any problems early and prevent them from worsening.
Use a Drain Snake
If you have a clog in your plumbing vent, you can try using a drain snake to clear it. Insert the snake into the pipe and turn it until you feel resistance. Then, continue turning until the clog is cleared.
Call a Plumber
If you have tried all these things and still have a clogged plumbing vent, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A professional will quickly clear the blockage and get your home back to normal.
Conclusion
So should roof vent pipe be covered? After taking a close look at the pros and cons of covering roof vent pipes, you might be wondering if you should cover your own.
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the climate in your area and the type of roofing material you have.
In general, it’s best to err on caution and cover your roof vent pipes to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Thanks for reading!