Your home is equipped with several exhaust systems, like those for the furnace, fireplace chimney, dryer vent, and kitchen fan. But one exhaust system that often goes unnoticed is the plumbing vents and vent stack. That’s where Springboro Plumbing & Drain comes in! We’re here to remind you about everything you need to know regarding your plumbing vent system and vent stack and how to prevent it from freezing.   

The Purpose 

The vent stack serves an important purpose. It allows sewer gases to vent out through your roof, keeping your living spaces fresh and odor-free! Most homes have a single vent stack that connects to all the drain lines. However, some homes may have multiple vent stacks on their roof.  

Vent stacks are usually made of materials like cast iron, steel, galvanized steel, PVC, and CPVC. It’s important to remember that every drain in your home, including sinks, toilets, and tubs, has a trap that acts like a “plug” to prevent sewer gases from escaping. Typically, the trap is a curve in the pipe, also known as the P-trap. Plumbing vents are what keep the air pressure balanced in the drain. It also helps to keep water from being siphoned out of the traps, preventing unwanted gas and odors, and backflow. Overall, plumbing vents and plumbing vent stacks are the unsung heroes of a plumbing system. They may be overlooked, but they’re definitely underrated components. 

The Problem 

While the plumbing vent system usually requires minimal maintenance, it can pose a problem during extremely cold weather. (Thanks, Ohio!) So let’s say your vent stack freezes shut and gets obstructed. Well, that can lead to the accumulation of unwelcome sewer gases like hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon monoxide in your home – and trust me, the odors can be quite ghastly! Not to mention, it can cause a range of other plumbing issues. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!  

The Signs 

When you’re outside and looking up from the ground, if you notice ice buildup on the vent stack, this could mean it has frozen up and there may be an obstruciton. If so, please, avoid going on your roof for safety reasons. In some cases, if your toilet is running slowly or perhaps is making gurgling noises, this is another sign that the vent stack is obstructed.   

The Strategy 

• Pipe insulation is a fantastic choice! If you can reach the pipe to the vent stack from your attic, wrapping it with pipe insulation will help keep it warm and prevent ice buildup. It’s definitely worth considering! 
• One useful tip is to periodically flush warm water down infrequently used drains. This practice helps maintain a full trap and ensures its proper functionality, particularly for floor drains. 
• Also, when you run hot water from one of your faucets (especially on chilly days), it creates a warm vapor that can help melt the ice.  
• It’s important to ensure that the cap of the vent stack is kept clear of leaves and debris. However, please remember that safety should always come first. We strongly advise against getting on your roof unless you are a professional. 
• If your vent stack is already frozen, you can open the attic door in your house to let some warmth reach the stack. Just remember, it might increase your heating bill a bit, but it’s worth a shot! 
• If this plumbing problem has happened more than once, heat tape is another great option to add to the stack within your attic. You might also want to consider adding an insulated cap as well. 

Make sure to protect your plumbing vent stack from freezing this winter by following the helpful tips mentioned above. Also, remember that performing regular maintenance and taking preventive measures during colder weather can effectively prevent freezing and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. 

If you suspect any issues with your plumbing vent stacks or come across other plumbing-related problems, feel free to reach out to Springboro Plumbing & Drain. Our team of experts is here to address your concerns with a friendly and professional approach. We’re always ready to help! Call us today at (937) 912-1338, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Stay safe this winter!