What's that sticking out of my house?

What to look for: Short vertical pipe sticking up from the roof, often near an area where there’s a bathroom underneath. The pipe could be white or black plastic, or metal. Older ones might be lead (a dull silver-colored metal). The diameter can vary and depends on the size of the drain pipe it's venting, the distance from the drain, and if there are multiple drain pipes on one vent. The pipe may have a cover on it to prevent blockages from birds or rodents. There are pros and cons to plumbing vent covers, and they may be regulated by local codes.

What it does: Releases sewer gases and equalizes pressure in your plumbing.

Red flags to watch for: Blocked by leaves, debris, or nests; this can cause slow drains, gurgling, or sewer smells indoors. If the pipe is lead, look for chew marks. Squirrels like to gnaw on the lead. Apparently, they find it sweet-tasting. As noted in the photo above, a cracked rubber boot (that’s the name of the bottom piece that seals out moisture) is something to notice and should likely be replaced.

What to look for: There's a wide variety of attic vents, and not all stick out of the roof. For the best attic ventilation, there should be intake vents that are down low on the roof and exhaust vents up high. A common type is soffit and ridge vent combos. The soffit vents are down low, in the soffit (the enclosed area under the edge of the roof), and the ridge vent is along the top of the roof line (you usually can’t see a ridge vent, as it’s partially covered by roofing materials). There are also dome-shaped caps, eyebrow vents, and turbines (looks like a metal chef’s hat), to name a few.

What it does: Let heat and moisture escape from your attic.

Red flags to watch for: Blocked vents. Animals might build nests or become trapped in a vent, or the vent could become blocked by leaves, dust, or other debris. 

What to look for: Smaller metal flue pipe with a round cap on top that’s bigger than the pipe.

What it does: Exhausts gases from a gas furnace or water heater.

Red flags to watch for: Rust, corrosion, or blockage. 

What to look for: Two white or black plastic pipes, or one pipe with a cone-looking cap on the end (this is a pipe-within-a-pipe configuration, the inner pipe is for exhaust, and the outer pipe is for intake, providing fresh air for combustion). When there are two pipes, one will likely be curved down at the top and look like a candy cane. This is the intake pipe.
What it does: One pulls in fresh air for proper and safe combustion, the other exhausts combustion gases.
Red flags to watch for: Snow, leaves, or critters blocking the pipes, which can shut down the system.

What to look for: Tall masonry or metal structure with a cap and spark arrestor if it’s a wood-burning fireplace. Can be a rectangular structure covered with siding.

What it does: Channels smoke and combustion gases from a fireplace, although an older masonry fireplace can also contain pipe(s) that vents combustion gases from a furnace or water heater.

Red flags to watch for: Cracks, missing cap, or excessive soot or creosote buildup.

What to look for: Covered vent hood, often near an area where there’s a second-story laundry room underneath.

What it does: Expels moist air and lint from your clothes dryer.

Red flags to watch for: Lint buildup or a vent flap that’s stuck in the closed position.

What to look for: Small hooded or louvered vent.

What it does: Removes moisture and odors from inside.

Red flags to watch for: Clogged or blocked vent. 

What to look for: Small hooded or louvered vent.

What it does: Intake vent provides outside air and exhaust vent gets rid of inside air for controlled house ventilation.

Red flags to watch for: Clogged or blocked vent. 

What to look for:  A metal pole where overhead electrical wires connect to the house. 

What it does:  Provides a secure attachment for electrical wires. The curved piece at the top (called the weather head) protects the cables from rainwater. Typically, the power company is responsible for the wires to the house, and from the weather head on down (except for the meter, which is the power company's), it's the homeowner's property and responsibility.

Red flags to watch for:  Loose connections, loose weather head, unstable attachment to the roof. Also, there are specific clearances for overhead electrical wires. They can't be too close to trees, an elevated deck, a window, etc. If you have any concerns about the wires, contact your power company.

What to look for: Typically only used on metal or slate roofs in northern regions. They might be rails across the lower part of the roof, or individual catchers called "snow birds."

What it does: They prevent snow from sliding off the roof. Typically used in front of a garage, entry, or walkway where an avalanche of snow could injure someone.

Red flags to watch for: Loose guards, or too many guards, which can hold back too much snow and make it too heavy for the roof structure.

What to look for: Two white or black plastic pipes near the foundation wall, or one pipe with a cone-shaped cap on the end (this is a pipe-within-a-pipe configuration; the inner pipe is for exhaust, and the outer pipe is for intake, providing fresh air for combustion). When there are two pipes, one will likely curve up or be horizontal (the exhaust pipe), and the other will curve down (the intake pipe). 

What it does: One pulls in fresh air for proper and safe combustion; the other exhausts combustion gases.

Red flags to watch for: Snow, leaves, or critters blocking the pipes, which can shut down the system. Also, these do stick out from the house. Don't cut them flush just because you don't like the look or they interfere with your landscaping. Landscape around them. 

What to look for: A round or oval wall vent near the water heater.

What it does: Exhausts gases from your water heater directly outside.

Red flags to watch for: Corrosion, debris, or blocked airflow can create safety risks.

What to look for: A square or round metal vent near the fireplace.

What it does: Vents gases and brings in combustion air for a gas fireplace.

Red flags to watch for: Debris or insects can block airflow and reduce efficiency.

What to look for: Small hood with or without a flap that opens when the dryer is running.

What it does: Expels heat and moisture from your dryer.

Red flags to watch for: Lint around the opening or a stuck flap. 

What to look for: Small vent hood or louvered cap near bathrooms or kitchens.

What it does: Removes humid air and odors.

Red flags to watch for: Clogged or blocked vent.

What to look for: Small hooded or louvered vent.

What it does: Intake vent provides outside air and exhaust vent gets rid of inside air for controlled house ventilation.

Red flags to watch for: Clogged or blocked vent. 

What to look for: A capped pipe sticking a few inches out of the wall or down near the foundation.

What it does: Provides access for clearing drain clogs.

Red flags to watch for: Water leaking from the cap may signal a blockage.

What to look for: White PVC pipe near your foundation, angled away from the house.

What it does: Discharges groundwater from your basement or crawlspace.

Red flags to watch for: Water pooling near the foundation may mean it’s disconnected or clogged. Should have a hose or other plastic pipe to discharge water at least 8 feet away from the foundation.

What to look for: Thin, copper pipes traveling from the outdoor a/c unit into the house. There's usually insulation on at least one of the lines, depending on what the usual practice is in your area.

What it does: Carries refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.

Red flags to watch for: Damaged insulation can lead to reduced efficiency. 

What to look for: White PVC pipe that runs up the wall and extends above the roof.

What it does: Vents radon gas safely away from your foundation.

Red flags to watch for: No fan noise or suction could mean the system isn’t working.

What to look for: Gray, beige, or green boxes near the meter or foundation.

What it does: Delivers cable, internet, or phone service.

Red flags to watch for: Exposed or cut wires could cause outages or hazards.

What to look for: Round glass-covered meter on a metal box.

What it does: Measures your electricity use.

Red flags to watch for: Corrosion. 

What to look for: Outlet boxes, usually with a weatherproof lid.

What it does: Supplies outdoor power for tools, lights, or holiday decorations.

Red flags to watch for: Loose covers or moisture inside the outlet. Call an electrician.

What to look for: Gray metal box with dial and shutoff valve near the side of the house.

What it does: Measures natural gas use.

Red flags to watch for: Keep the meter clear. If you get snow in winter, make sure to remove snow around the meter. There’s a vent at the bottom of the round regulator that needs to be clear. Also, if you hear hissing or smell gas, leave the area and call the gas company. 

What to look for: A hose faucet with a twist handle, usually 1–2 feet off the ground. Some are frost-free, meaning they drain the exterior section of the pipe so it doesn’t freeze in winter. Some are anti-siphon, meaning they don’t allow water to flow back into your plumbing pipes.

What it does: Allows you to hook up a hose or fill buckets.

Red flags to watch for: Leaking after winter, or if water keeps running when shut off.

What to look for: Red-labeled pipe with screw-on caps, usually out front or by the garage.

What it does: It lets firefighters pump water into your sprinkler system.

Red flags to watch for: Missing caps or rust can let debris into the pipes.

What to look for: Short PVC or copper pipe near the garage or utility room wall.

What it does: Allows drainage during testing or maintenance.

Red flags to watch for: Steady dripping may mean a faulty valve.

What to look for: Red bell or strobe labeled “Fire Alarm,” mounted high on the wall.

What it does: Sounds during a sprinkler system activation.

Red flags to watch for: Silent or disconnected wiring may prevent alerting others during a fire.

What to look for: Short capped pipe in your yard or near the foundation.

What it does: Provides access to the main sewer line.

Red flags to watch for: Water around the base or foul smells can signal a clog.

What to look for: Metal or plastic box in the yard, sidewalk, or driveway.

What it does: Measures your home’s water usage.

Red flags to watch for: Damp ground, a spinning dial when no water is running, or high bills.

What to look for: Capped pipe 12–18 inches above ground, often painted blue or green.

What it does: Access point for your private water well.

Red flags to watch for: A broken or missing cap could pose a contamination risk.

What to look for: Rusted metal pipe or fill port.

What it does: Was used to fill a now-decommissioned underground tank.

Red flags to watch for: Corrosion, settling ground, or leaks may require professional removal.

What to look for: Round or square lid, sometimes flush, sometimes raised.

What it does: Gives access to pump out your septic tank.

Red flags to watch for: Sunken ground, odor, or pooling water.

What to look for: Box or vent pipe with a small motor—usually humming when working.

What it does: Pumps oxygen into aerobic septic systems. This isn't present on a traditional system.

Red flags to watch for: No noise, wet ground, or sewer smells.

What to look for: Low post with covered outlets—often near patios or landscape lighting.

What it does: Provides outdoor power away from the house.

Red flags to watch for: Cracked cover, corrosion, or moisture inside.

What to look for: Brass or plastic valves with test ports—above ground or in a green box.

What it does: Stops sprinkler water from flowing back into your drinking water.

Red flags to watch for: Leaks, broken parts, or freezing damage in winter.