04/23/2025
This is from a recent inspection in Tampa.
Found multiple vent stacks that were disconnected or improperly terminated in the attic space.
Why is this an issue? What is the purpose of a vent stack?
Let's get into it.
Vent stacks are part of the drainage of a plumbing system, expelling sewer gases and allowing waste water to drain without siphoning the water in the P-traps that are in the home. It can also equalize pressures and help prevent backups of waste water.
Meaning, it helps vent these gases to the exterior instead of into your home and keeps waste and water where it should be, in the drainage system.
With gases and water also comes moisture.
We don't want moisture or gases venting into our attics or the home. This can attract all sorts of pests, create a habitat conducive for mold, fungal growths and termites.
When the pipe is still connected to the exterior but disconnected inside, this can also let rain water, rodents and other pests into the attic space. This can open up another can of worms.
What we can we do to resolve this?
In some cases a simple repair by a licensed plumber can resolve the issue.
In the second picture, you can see there is no exit point for the vent to go through. In that case, coordination between the plumber and roofer may be needed to complete the job correctly.
Sometimes these disconnects happen when new plumbing features are added into the home or when work has been done to the roof (repairs/replacement). And, believe it or not, this can be found on new builds too!
Additionally, insulation that gets wet will lose its R-Value. No fixes for that, it's simply replacement of any damaged insulation.
I hope this helps new homeowners, realtors and investors alike!
Tampa Property Inspections
