Frozen Vent Pipe?


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Old 01-01-01, 06:40 PM
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We recently got hit with a very bad ice storm, and since that time, I have had a back-up in the bathtubs whenever I run the washer, or any back to back flushes of the toilet. The toilets bubble and gurgle and drain, which would indicate a bad vent somewhere. Is it possible, given the ice storm, and the still frozen state, that the vent is simply frozen?
How do I thaw it out, and what preventive measures can be taken to make sure they don't freeze again? Or am I on the wrong track and everything should be snaked out as a precaution?
 
  #2  
Old 01-02-01, 05:40 AM
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If you had a small amount of debris (sticks, leaves, etc.) that would hold the ice, allowing it to build up, that may well be your problem.
The only way to tell, will be to go up and see. BE CAREFUL! Break and snake the ice, or pour very hot water (tea kettle) down the vent to melt it. Shouldn't be too much built up.
To prevent it, just check the vent stack frequently for debris and keep it cleaned out, or put a vent cap on it.
OR you may have partial clog in the drain itself. If the vent work doesn't solve the problem, snake the drains, too.
Good Luck!
 
 

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