How to Clear Sewer Vents From Ice

Almost nothing is worse during the winter months than a frozen sewer vent. Not only does it allow sewer gas to invade your home, it causes poor drainage through the pipes. The smell is not the worst that can happen. Sewer gas contains methane gas, which is an explosive hazard. There is a risk of a fatal asphyxiation if left untreated. Sewer vents freeze because the water vapor that rises from the plumbing system condenses and freezes. You need to thaw them out to keep everyone safe. If you are going to climb a ladder in the middle of winter, safety is necessary. Be sure the ladder is firmly on the ground and you wear non-slick boots or shoes.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Boiling water
• Long stick

Instructions

1. Put a kettle of water on the stove. Heat this until it comes to a boil.

2. Locate your sewer vent. This is a pipe that comes out of the roof. It is usually found above the room it serves.

3. Using a ladder, place it firmly on the ground below the area where your vent pipe is located. Carefully climb up. Take with you a long stick and the boiling hot water in your tea kettle. You may have to make two trips.

4. Remove the cap on top of the vent if there is one. Sometimes having this cap on the sewer vent is what causes the pipe to freeze over. You can leave the cap off during the cold winter months. No debris should fall into the pipe, because the trees will have lost their leaves by this time.

Tips & Warnings

• To help solve the problem, buy some fiberglass insulation. You can find this at most lumbar yards or home improvement centers. Go up to your attic and wrap the insulation around the sewer pipe.

• You can also install a newer style of sewer vent. This is not supposed to freeze up as readily.

References

• City of Clive Public Works
• NDSU Extension Education
• Ask The Builder