I don’t know enough about them to say that you can “visually” determine proper functionality….

If other suggestions fail to resolve the issue , replacing that valve is worth the shot …. They are not very expensive….

I had the same thing when we lived up north. We had 3 vent pipes on the roof & it one of the vent pipes that still had the plug still in the pipe our builder was at our house within an hour & took the plug out, fixed our problem!

The vent device allows air to enter the pipe to provide proper drainage. If you remove it, the pipe will be open and air can enter, but would also allow sewer gas to enter the house. You would need to replace the device if it is defective. It could just be stuck.

Yes , I know the “basics” on how they work ….. basically a check valve allowing air in but preventing fumes to escape ….

I worked at ACE for 5 years and sold a few from time to time .

The ones I’m familiar with are sealed so I’m not sure if any way to “visually” check for proper functioning.

If it got “stuck” once , it will probably do it again .

Best to replace it with a new one since you already have it in hand ….

Try You Tube video search.

It could be construction debri stuck in a pipe. I've seen that happen

The last place I would ask about a drain is here . Most cant even change a light bulb

Thanks for all the recommendations. Te cheap cleaner took care of the problem.

Now this is interesting, never gave this a thought.
Now I know why their don't use PVC as water pipes.

HEY watch your mouth, my wife can change a light bulb
in our 40' cathedral ceiling while I read a newspaper. :icon_twisted:

I had no idea there were different types of "PVC" pipe. I know all the pipes I can see in my house (supply from the street, above the water heater, through the wall under the sink) are all white plastic. I assumed all white plastic pipe was PVC. Now I know there is PVC and CPVC and it is likely that all the pipes I have noticed are CPVC.

I don't know what type of plastic pipe is used in the Villages houses, but there is a difference between pressure pipe and drain pipe. The drain pipes are allowed to have a thinner wall construction than the Schedule 40 pressure pipes used for water supply. In any event, I wouldn't pour boiling water down the drain.

Interesting point.

Several sites suggest using boiling water to clear slow drains. At least one mentions that this could hurt the PVC pipes.

While the water supply lines are likely made of CPVC due to the expected temperature and pressure, the drain lines might very well be made of PVC since pressure is not an issue.

PVC is rated to about 120 degrees for normal supply line pressures. Some sites suggest hot water heaters should be set between 120 degrees and 140 degrees which would exceed the PVC rating. CPVC is rated to 180 degrees which should be more than adequate for supply lines.

From what the OP wrote in a follow-up post above, boiling water would not have helped. If the clog could be removed by the cheap cleaner then it was not something that would soften with boiling water.

I've done that. It's amazing what you see as you plunge. Very Alien like.