Homeowner needs to diagnose and fix toilet drainage issues caused by improper venting in a 1940s house.

Existing AAVs only admit air, but the problem requires expelling air (venting upstream or downstream) to allow drainage; no simple diagnostic tool exists for homeowners to identify correct vent placement.

Severity

3Medium

Willingness to Pay

implied

Added

May 6, 2026

Workarounds Described

removes water from P-trap to get toilet to drain
opens vent downstream of toilet to allow flushing
uses air admittance valve (AAV) which didn't work

Implied Software Gaps

Mobile app that diagnoses venting direction and recommends vent type/placement without manual trial and error

App Concept

VentWise Pro

A mobile app and sensor kit that helps homeowners and DIY plumbers diagnose toilet drainage issues by detecting airflow and venting needs. It guides users on optimal vent placement and type (AAV vs. roof vent) based on system layout and test results.

Key Features

Smart P-trap sensor that measures air pressure and flow direction
Step-by-step diagnostic wizard for identifying venting issues
AR overlay showing recommended vent locations on house plans
Digital gas detection for sewage gas (H2S, ammonia) to ensure safe venting

Target Users: Homeowners aged 30-60 with older houses (pre-1980) experiencing toilet drainage issues; DIY plumbers and handymen

Revenue Model: $99 for sensor kit + $9.99/mo subscription for app diagnostics and AR guidance

Existing Solutions Mentioned

AAV (Air Admittance Valve)

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