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The most common roof leak occurs around plastic plumbing pipes and fortunately it is one of the easiest repairs to detect and correct. (fig. 1)
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 1 |
If attic access is simple enough you may feel around these plastic pipes for wetness (during a rain) or look at where the pipe exits the roof for daylight penetration (preferably during the day). Cracks in the rubber seal around the pipe will allow water infiltration. A simple on top of the roof inspection will reveal whether or not the pipes are in need of repair. (fig. 2).
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 2
Around these pipes there is a hard piece of plastic which sits on the roof and a rubber ring integrated into the top of it which surrounds the pipe making a watertight fit. This entire component is often called a roof jack. (fig. 3)
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 3
The rubber portion of this roof jack will often begin to show visual signs of deterioration seven years or so after the roof has been installed. This will allow water to penetrate this seal causing a leak into the attic. (figs. 4 and 5)
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Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 4
Do It Yourself Roof Reair PVC Pipes: Figure 5 |
It is common for roofers to replace the roof jack however; a new rubber gasket is almost always all that is needed. Unless the hard plastic portion has been cracked or damaged in some way it does not need to be replaced. On rare occasions when they do need replacement, the shingles will need to be separated from around the pipe area. Sometimes the shingles are sealed so tightly that is almost impossible to separate them without damaging them. A new pipe gasket is a perfect and inexpensive fix. It is much better than using asphalt roof cement which will crack when the sun dries it out causing another water leak to occur (fig. 6)
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 6
A homeowner who can safely access his roof could easily perform this repair himself. If safe roof access is questionable, someone cleaning your gutters or painting your home may be an inexpensive alternative. This rubber gasket simply slides down over the pipe snugly as would a diamond ring going on to your bride’s finger! And the savings would go a long way to paying for that ring. A roofer would normally charge from $175.00 to $300.00 depending on the level of difficulty involved to replace the pipe jacks on your roof. You may purchase these pvc pipe boot gaskets from me for $8.00 each. Most houses have anywhere from two to five of these plumbing pipes coming through the roof which allows air to circulate through the drain pipes whenever the water is being used in the house.
Additionally, I use a commercial grade polyurethane caulking to adhere the rubber pipe gasket to the top of the roof jack for extra protection from water infiltration (fig. 7). One tube of this is plenty enough for one home at a cost of $8.00 as well. I apply a bead of this sealant, no larger than your pinky finger, at the intersection where the hard plastic meets the old rubber ring portion of the roof jack. I also put a little dab of it on the exposed nail heads which fasten the roof jack to the roof (fig. 7) .
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Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 7 |
If you observe tar or caulking already on your plumbing vent pipes it would be good to scrape off whatever may interfere with a good seal. Simply slide the new one on and make a judgment call yourself. All of it may not need to be removed. You can also apply a bead of caulking around the pipe before the new gasket is installed just above the final resting place of the new gasket which will create a good seal underneath once it is installed. I only do this if the pipe is not clean and smooth (figs. 8-10) .
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Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 8
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 9
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 10 |
There are two basic sizes of pipe gaskets that I use. The 3 in 1 and the 3” and 4” inch. The 3 in 1 can actually be used for all the pipes except the 4” inch pipe but I do not use it for the 3” inch pipe either because it doesn’t cover the pipe jack as well as the larger one does. The 4” inch pipe is very uncommon today however; years ago 1-1/2” through 4” inch galvanized and steel pipes were used instead of today’s plastic pvc pipes. The 3 in 1 pipe gaskets come with a tearoff section that can be removed for the 2” and 3” inch pipes so it will fit properly. The 3” and 4” inch pipe ring has a tearoff section that can be removed for the 4” inch pipes so it will fit properly as well.
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 11
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 12
Note that each pipe measures about a half inch bigger than its designation when you measure its diameter. Caution: When measuring across the 1-1/2” pipe the ruler will read almost 2” inches (fig. 13) likewise a 3”will read 3-1/2” (fig.14)
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Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 13
Do It Yourself Roof Repair PVC Pipes: Figure 14 |
