Step 4 · Clear the Blocked Plumbing Vent

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Once a blockage is identified or suspected in the vent, it must be cleared. If the blockage is near the top, you may be able to pull it out by hand (while wearing work gloves). For deeper clogs, the most effective method is to use a garden hose. Have a helper on the ground turn the water on and off. Insert the hose into the vent and have your helper turn on the water. The pressure can often dislodge leaves and other soft debris. For more stubborn clogs, feed a drain auger (snake) down the vent pipe. Rotate the handle to break up the obstruction, then flush again with the hose to wash the remnants down the pipe.