International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

David P. OKeefe · #1 9/21/11, 1:53 PM

I need some help. Trying to figure out how this happens. Plumbing vent on roof has standing water in it. Could there be a clog in the vent, and rain water filled the vent? I did not have any access from the attic. This vent is over the laundry (washing machine, no sink). Home has been empty for a little while, ( estate) Any ideas.

Jeffrey R. Jonas · #2 9/21/11, 4:03 PM

How far down would you guess the water to be? Did the fixtures in the home seem to operate/drain okay. Is this the only vent stack on the home?

My first thought is an offset vent, through the attic, with a slight downslope between the verticles, holding the water.

A plugged stack (on purpose) is also very possible (especially if a foreclosure).

David P. OKeefe · #3 9/21/11, 4:38 PM

This is not the only vent stack. This one appears to vent the drains from the laundry room next to the garage. The water was about 2-3 feet down the vent. When I moved the vent to see if it was secure I heard the water sloshing around in the vent. This is not a foreclosure, owner died and family is selling. We've had a lot of rain here lately (Irene, storms etc..). Could this account for this if the vent is clogged?

Christopher Currins · #4 9/21/11, 4:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Could this account for this if the vent is clogged?

The drain or trap is "clogged".

James H. Bushart · #5 9/21/11, 5:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dokeefe

I need some help. Trying to figure out how this happens. Plumbing vent on roof has standing water in it.

The houseboat is sinking.

Jeffrey R. Jonas · #6 9/21/11, 5:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas

How far down would you guess the water to be? Did the fixtures in the home seem to operate/drain okay. Is this the only vent stack on the home?

My first thought is an offset vent, through the attic, with a slight downslope between the verticles, holding the water.

A plugged stack (on purpose) is also very possible (especially if a foreclosure).

Example... (sorry for the large pic... not mine)...

Pete Campbell · #7 9/21/11, 5:33 PM

There may be a 'trapped' condition at the vent piping in the attic that has allowed the water to build up. Very likely improper or no vent pipe support installed to allow a proper slope to drain. Combine that scenario with foreign materials in the pipe...