Many homeowners don't realize that their home's roof actually has vents which are connected to the home's interior plumbing. To protect these vents and the roof itself, the roof also needs plumbing, or a way to direct water away from its surface and the home itself. To ensure your home's roof is always in good repair and that the vents are properly protected, note a few factors to consider and to discuss with a roof plumbing expert as needed.

Why are roof vents installed?

Vents in the roof allow sewer gasses to escape from the home. They also help to regulate air pressure in the sewer pipes, creating vacuum effect, which allows solid waste and liquid to move through the home's plumbing. If these roof vents get clogged, you may notice slow-running drains and a sewage smell in the home. Failure to fix these vents can mean clogged drains and dangerous sewer gasses that back up into the home and get trapped inside.

How do roof vents get damaged?

Part of a home's roof plumbing includes flashing, which is a type of thin metal sheeting that is placed around the base of those vents and around the home's chimney. This thin metal sheeting helps to keep water from gathering near the vents, allowing it to drain off the roof, avoiding water leaks and other damage. If the flashing on the roof is damaged, torn, or missing, the vents can then get rusted and suffer cracks and leaks.

When does the roof's plumbing need repairs?

It's very dangerous for a homeowner to be on a roof in order to inspect it, so you might have a roof plumber examine your home's roof every year, or as often as needed, to find signs of water damage and damage to the roof's flashing. Also, a homeowner might examine the ceiling of their attic or crawlspace to see if there are water marks or other signs of leaks coming into the home from the roof. Water leaks often mean that the home's roof plumbing needs updating or maintenance, as small gutters can cause rainwater to back up onto the roof and then damage that flashing and other building materials on the roof.

Also, if you note any puddles outside the home, directly under the roof eaves, this may mean that the roof's plumbing needs maintenance. Overlooking those puddles on the ground can mean that puddles are forming on the roof, and those vents and flashing may then suffer damage.