Up the ladder to the roof

Cabin fever getting you down? We’ll deal with that in a bit, but first, do you have any strange gurgling noises happening?

Don’t seem to be draining properly? Concerned you might be backed up?

This is exactly what was happening to me earlier this week. Oh, and by "you", I mean your house.

The sink in my ensuite bathroom was very slow to drain, and when it did, there was a rude farting noise from the toilet. But hey, I guess if it’s going to happen the bathroom is the place for it to go down.

Same sort of stuff was happening in the main bathroom. Toilet reluctant to flush, and nobody likes a toilet with attitude — then there was more rude noises from the shower area. Huh? Why?

Oh, I know, we just had a snowstorm, I bet the sewer vent on the roof has covered over, maybe frozen up.

Ladder, shovel, climb up on roof, careful to not step on the attic air vents, (don’t try this at home, I’m a trained professional). I looked for the vent pipe sticking through the roof and all I see is snow. Once I found the pipe it was almost frozen shut, I cleared it of ice and snow and boom — back to the regular flow.

Always such a wonderful feeling.

So just exactly what does this sewer vent pipe do?

Found the best explanation I’ve ever seen on J. Dhamer’s blog (no, not J. Dahmer), specifically Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer Inc., Chicago area, who really does a great job summing up the purpose of, and possible problems with your vent pipe.

"These vent pipes allow gases to escape from your sewer system. They regulate the air pressure in the system, allowing waste to flow freely. If it/they become blocked, your system won’t drain properly."

Now here’s an interesting point. Got chronic problems with your drains?

"Some cases of blocked vents go undiagnosed for months or years while the homeowners try DIY fixes to clear drains, but to no avail."

So. Some common signs your vents could have blockage?

Gurgling noises: "You may hear gurgling or even see water bubbling up and out of the drains as they drain. You may also hear gurgling coming from your toilet after you flush. The gurgling is caused by air escaping through the drains, because it can’t escape through the sewer vent pipe."

Slow drains: Yes, you may have a blockage in the drain itself, or clogging in your main sewer pipe, however, says Jim, "if all of the drains in your home are slow and you’re also noticing the other issues described, blocked sewer vents are more likely to blame."

A stinky sewer smell may be another hint your vent is malfunctioning.

Jim lists the three most common causes of blocked sewer vents as: "Snow buildup, debris buildup, and sewage clogs."

Now, about that cabin fever. Perhaps "an adventure in good eating" would provide sufficient respite. May I recommend the Rancho Don Carlos at 650 Pembina Highway? You’ll have to travel back in time to get there, because it’s been gone since 1967, but a look at the prices from an old menu I have will assure you it’s worth the trip.

The Rancho was also a nightclub, the menu featuring their slogan: "Where Epicures Dine and Diners Dance", an epicure being (had to look it up), "a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink."

Meat lovers are even invited to "Make a Date with a Steak Tonight", a filet perhaps, described as, "Ah, Mignon, half a pound of juicy, tender beef tenderloin, broiled to your taste. Bordelaise Sauce ... $2.50 ... ask your waitress for Rancho Don Carlos Garlic Butter."

Imagine, $2.50. Barely a tip these days. Good luck finding the place. It was just south of Grant Avenue, on the east side of Pembina.

Before you do any time travelling don’t forget to check that sewer vent!

Comments or feedback? Love to hear from you!

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