How to Clear an Ice-Blocked Roof Drain

Icicles hanging from roof eaves are familiar sights of winter. Though beautiful, icicles can be indicative of a potentially troublesome problem. Ice has likely gathered on your roof as well. The small openings in the grates of roof drains are prone to becoming ice-blocked. This block may cause a water back up that can cause an expensive leak. Once you notice ice on your roof, it is a good idea to check on the roof drain to melt the ice before you have a major problem.

Ladder
Safety harness
Safety rope
Hammer
Hot water
Container

Instructions

- 1
  Take safety precautions. Climbing on an icy roof is dangerous business. Wear a rock-climbing harness and a safety rope. Tie the rope to a tree or other permanent structure on the opposite side of the roof. Throw the rope over the roof then affix it to the climbing harness. Wear the harness at all times while you are on the roof. Keep the rope taut enough to keep you from falling off of the roof.
- 2
  Climb onto the roof. Place the ladder on flat ice-free ground. Have a partner hold the ladder still as you climb.
- 3
  Brush off any loose snow in a 2-foot circle around the roof drain.
- 4
  Tap on the ice sheet with a hammer just enough to crack the ice. Don't hit hard or use enough force to break it away. The idea is just to create cracks in the ice that allow the hot water to penetrate.
- 5
  Pour hot water from a container over the drain cover to melt the ice covering it.

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