Damaged Plumbing Vent Caps = Easy Repair

I don't know what the big attraction to lead is, but squirrels seem to love destroying plumbing vent caps.  Specifically, they chew holes in the lead portion of two-piece frost-resistant plumbing vent caps.  Once the cap is damaged, water can leak into the attic between the plumbing vent and the cap.  The photos below show a few examples.

Damaged plumbing vent cap 1 Damaged plumbing vent cap 2 Damaged plumbing vent cap 3 Damaged plumbing vent cap 4

The wrong way to repair the cap is to goop it up with tar.  This is ineffective and temporary.

Tar at damaged plumbing cap

Another wrong way to deal with a damaged gap is to use caulk.

Caulk at damaged plumbing cap

Another wrong way to deal with this is to install some kind of goofy cap.

Plumbing vent doesn't need a cap

The proper and simple way to deal with a damaged cap is to replace it.  Most caps are loose enough to just slide right off without any tools.  Check out the 15 second video below for a quick demonstration.

Replacement caps can be ordered online from F.J. Moore, which is a company located in Cannon Falls, MN. If you want to go crazy with your repair so the cap never gets destroyed again, check out this permanent solution by Kuhl's Contracting.

Author: Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections

          

 

Written By

Reuben is a second-generation home inspector with a passion for his work. He grew up remodeling homes and learning about carpentry since he was old enough to hold a hammer. Reuben grew up thinking he was going to be a school teacher because he enjoyed teaching others so much. In a sense, that’s a lot of what home inspections are about, so Reuben truly does what he loves. Sharlene has worked with Structure Tech since 2000 and Reuben has been contributing to her blog since 2008.

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