Toilet will not flush without removing vent [Archive]

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NABHKGirl83

Mar 2, 2011, 04:53 PM

Our went for the toilet is in the house. Seems like every time it rains the toilet will not flush without taking off the vent. The water just stays in the toilet. Also when doing laundry... whent he washer empties the toilet makes a bubbling noise. Likeblowing air through a straw into a glass of water.. Can you help. We have gotten the stepic pumped and have snaked the toilet.

ballengerb1

Mar 2, 2011, 04:57 PM

You have a typo or two so lets make sure I understand your situation. A vent stack is a pipe that travels up and out through the roof of a building to vent air in a sewer system. Some situations call for an air admittance valve (AAV) to be installed, is this what you are talking about? Studor Maxi-Vent at PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Studor-Maxi-Vent/6104/Cat/232?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=63&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=36313034)

NABHKGirl83

Mar 3, 2011, 09:49 PM

Yes it does not go through the roof... it stayes in the house

NABHKGirl83

Mar 4, 2011, 01:54 PM

I think it is an air admittance valve... It has no opening... the top is covered and in the inside at the top there is a spring. At the botttom on the spring is a round piece of ruber that is attached to the spring.

ballengerb1

Mar 4, 2011, 02:12 PM

Yes that sounds like an AAV and from your description a failed one. They are fairly cheap and easy to install so try a new one. Studor Air Admittance Valves AAV (http://www.plumbingmall.com/studor.htm?gclid=CPmqvtHptacCFYa7KgodWFcoAA)

NABHKGirl83

Mar 6, 2011, 06:35 AM

Replaced the AAV and still no luck

ballengerb1

Mar 6, 2011, 03:11 PM

But it flushes fine with no vent attached, right?

NABHKGirl83

Mar 7, 2011, 02:30 PM

Yes

pghplumber

Mar 13, 2011, 06:43 AM

The water is pushing air against the AAV and once they equal the same atmosphere on both sides of the toilet trap the water will not flush. With the AAV out the air pushes out if the adapter to the open atmosphere. In other words, you still have a clog or possible collapse in the piping. The vent is just tricking you into thinking that it has something to do with the problem when, in fact, it is helping to diagnose the issue. Have the drains snaked thoroughly and flushed with plenty of water while clearing debris. If problem continues you may need a camera inspection to determine the next step.