Roof Leaking Around the Vent Pipe Due to Melting Snow

Vent Pipe Placement

• A plumbing vent pipe has its opening above the house’s roof line so that it may perform its functions properly. A vent pipe allows the sewer gases that become trapped in the house’s drainpipes to escape from the pipes safely into the open air rather than having the sewer gases come through the drain openings of the plumbing fixtures in the house. The vent pipe also allows air from the outside to flow into the drainpipes, replacing the air that is pushed down the pipes with the wastewater. Since the vent pipe goes through the house’s roof, it may become the source of roof leakage.

Roof Leak Damage

• A roof leak presents a danger to your house in several ways. A roof leak results in at least minor water damage, depending on the size of the leak and the duration that the leak sits unattended before you notice and repair it. The water damage may affect the house’s attic in addition to the drywall ceiling in the room that sits below the leak. If the water comes into the attic during the winter months from melting snow, the water may freeze and cause additional damage. If left long enough, the water accumulation in the attic may also result in mold growth.

Pipe Collars

• The plumbing vent pipe has a collar piece that is designed to prevent roof leaks. The collar is a large and flat piece of metal that extends beyond the plumbing vent and fits under the shingles that sit above the vent pipe. A rubber boot wraps around the vent pipe and sits on the flat piece of metal, giving a waterproof seal. Eventually, the rubber boot wears out and begins to become brittle and crack, allowing moisture to leak through. As the water penetrates the rubber boot, it runs along the vent pipe through the opening in the roof and drips off the pipe inside the attic.

Repair

• You must get onto the house’s roof to repair a leaking plumbing vent pipe, which is dangerous when the roof is covered in snow and ice. Once you feel confident about getting on the roof to make the repair, you need to remove the screws that hold the old metal plate to the roof. You must pry up the shingles that sit over the old metal plate to reach all the screws. Once you slide off the old boot and metal plate from the vent pipe, you install replacements and secure the metal plate to the roof with screws.