Roof Vent Pipe Leak
The rubber collar (boot) around plumbing vent pipes cracks from sun exposure, often after 10–15 years, and is one of the most common leak sources. A roofer typically charges $150–$400 to replace one; the part itself costs far less.
Last reviewed September 2026
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Is the wet spot around a vent pipe?
In the attic, follow the plumbing vent pipe up to the roof boards. Wet wood or drips around the pipe point to its rubber boot.
Signs it's this problem
- A stain on the ceiling below a bathroom, kitchen or laundry area
- Water trails or rust on the vent pipe in the attic
- Cracked, shrunken or gapped rubber around the pipe on the roof
- Leaks in any steady rain, not only storms
Why it happens
The boot is a rubber gasket that hugs the pipe where it passes through the roof. UV light makes the rubber brittle until it splits, and rain then runs straight down the pipe into the attic.
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Safety: Only work on a dry, low-slope roof with a secured ladder. Call a roofer for steep roofs.
Roof Vent Pipe Leak cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a pipe vent boot (roofer) | $150–$400 |
| General flashing repair | $200–$600 |
Got a quote? Check if it's fair
Typical professional price for this job: $150–$400
Common questions
How long do pipe boots last?
Rubber boots often crack after roughly 10–15 years of sun exposure, which is sooner than the shingles around them. Many roofers replace them whenever they work on a roof.
Are slip-on repair collars a real fix?
They're a reliable medium-term repair when the old boot's metal base is still sound. A full boot replacement is the longer-lasting fix.