The drain in the toilet bowl is basically a P-trap. If the problem just started, it’s probably a blocked drain or plumbing vent pipe that needs to be “snaked” out. And since the water in the ...

Diagram/Tim CarterThis rough-in plumbing diagram shows exactly what the drain and vent pipes will look like once installed. Q. My city allows homeowners to install their own plumbing. But to get ...

The drain and vent pipes in your home mimic what Mother Nature does on a much grander scale. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Look at how creeks, streams and rivers work.

1. Collecting drains. Low points in main and reheat steam pipes are locations where any moisture in the pipe is collected and either vented to the atmosphere or drained, typically to the condenser.

When plumbing vents get ice capped, toilets won’t flush right, water may drain from sinks more slowly, and sewer gas could enter your home through drain traps that no longer have enough water in ...

I’m good to go on the water lines, but the drain lines and plumbing vents are my weak spot. Is there a fail-safe method of venting so that everything will work fine? —Mandy P., Portland, Maine.

The plumbing vent is typically located on your roof. There are usually several fixtures connected to a single drain pipe in order to minimize the number of vents poking out of the roof.