How to Fix Frozen Roof Sewer Vents

Your roof sewer vent brings air into the pipes that carry waste out of your home. The vent is generally up to 10 inches tall from the roof and usually emerges above where the bathroom is located. In the winter, snow and ice can block the vent, causing it to freeze. The result is that sewer gas can leak out into your home rather than down the pipes where it belongs. You can clear out frozen roof sewer vents yourself, but it does require climbing onto the roof, often in dangerous conditions.

Extension ladder
Tea kettle full of hot water
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Make several trips up the ladder to the roof, carrying the tea kettle of hot water and the broom. Ensure the ladder is set up on sturdy, ice-free ground to avoid slips and falls.
- 2
  Clear any snow away from the top and sides of the vent. Look inside the vent and clear away any debris you can reach, such as leaves, sticks or ice.
- 3
  Pour the hot water into the sewer vent slowly, giving the water a chance to melt any ice blockage. Push the broom handle down into the vent to loosen any remaining ice. Alternate pouring water and inserting the broom handle until the blockage is cleared.
- 4
  Climb down the roof carefully, after tossing the tea kettle and broom down first.

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