FAQs and MORE!
Find answers to your questions below
FAQs
I'm not sure what size to order? 
To ensure a proper fit, measure your vent pipe's outside diameter (O.D.) and use the following table. Vent Pipe Manufacturers size their pipe by the inside diameter (I.D.). Because OdorHogs fit over the outside of your vent pipe, we care what the outside diameter is. The O.D. you measure will be slightly larger than the actual filter size you order. This tells us whether you have a “standard thickness” of pipe and that your OdorHog will fit properly. For standard PVC or ABS vent pipes, you can order the Slip On OdorHog.

If you have metal or cast iron pipes, be sure to order the Clamp On style. It has greater flexibility in fitting your non-standard size pipes.


What's the difference between the standard and commercial grade carbon? 
 Standard carbon is made from a wood base and our commercial grade carbon is made from a coconut shell based carbon. Commercial carbon has a higher sewer gas absorption capacity and is made for longer life. It is perfect for heavy hydrogen sulfide applications or for difficult access situations. The commercial carbon is commonly used for restaurants, schools, strip malls, etc. It's also becoming more popular with residential customers who have steep pitched rooflines or don't want to change out their carbon as frequently. Both versions are pelletized for longer life and better air flow. The filter housing is the same for both versions of carbon. For example, if you purchased the standard carbon OdorHog and found it didn't last as long as you would like, you can purchase a commercial grade replacement bag and it will fit into the body of the OdorHog and last longer. 

Please email us at info@OdorHog.com with any questions you have about your specific application.

Where does my order ship from? How long will it take to get my order? 
Orders ship from Arizona. Orders received by 1pm Arizona time will ship the same day. 

OdorHog uses UPS and USPS shipping services. FREE shipping orders will ship based upon the most effective shipping method to your location. 

The UPS Service Map below shows how many days an order will take via UPS Ground. UPS Next Day, UPS 2nd Day and UPS 3 Day Select are based on BUSINESS days only. If you place an order on Friday using "Next Day Air," your package will arrive on Monday. Ordering on Friday with "Second Day Air" means that your package will be received on Tuesday. If you need Saturday delivery, please call 800-963-6746 to check the availability and price. 

USPS shipping days are estimates. USPS shipments may take an extra day than what shows at checkout. All available shipping options will show up in your shopping cart prior to checkout. 
Will the filter restrict the airflow? 
The filters do restrict the air flow somewhat. The restriction is so slight that it shouldn't interfere with normal venting of the plumbing system.
Is there any functional difference between the METAL cap and the MUSHROOM Cap? 
There is NO functional difference between the two caps. It's just a matter of personal preference.

Some customers like the METAL cap because it looks like their furnace vent cap. Other people prefer the MUSHROOM cap because it is made of durable PVC plastic and has a sleeker look.

Although they function the same way, they are attached in a slightly different manner: the mushroom cap screws onto the filter, the metal cap is attached by friction.
My plumber installed a vent pipe extension. Do I remove the extension or place the OdorHog over the vent extension? 
We would recommend removing the extension. It is possible that when the OdorHog is placed over an extension, the whole extension and OdorHog assembly act as a "sail" in the wind. The assembly will begin to oscillate in the wind. This could potentially damage your rooftop vent flashing and create a leak in your roof.
Can I install an OdorHog over the lead flashing on my vent pipes? 
No, the OdorHog should only be installed directly onto the vent pipe. They should not be installed onto any lead flashing or protective boot that covers the vent pipe. We recommend trimming away the top 2 inches of the flashing so you can have a direct install onto the vent pipe. You can re-attach the flashing with silicone caulking at some point below the OdorHog, directly to the vent pipe. Please call or email OdorHog with any questions about this process and we’re happy to walk you through your specific situation.
Do I need to order replacement carbon with my initial order of an OdorHog? 
Your OdorHog will arrive with a carbon filter installed. However, many customers like to have a replacement bag on hand, so when a replacement is needed, they do not need to wait for a new one to arrive.
Can the carbon filters be replaced? How often should they be replaced? 
Yes, the replacement filter bags are very easy to replace. It is recommended to replace the carbon filter at least every 2 years. The filter life will depend on factors including the design of your plumbing system, frequency of use and other factors including your local weather. OdorHog filters used on restaurants and many other commercial applications may only last 1 year. Replacement filters can be ordered on our website at this link.  
OdorHog Replacement Bags

In what situations will the OdorHog filter not work? 
The OdorHog will NOT solve your odor problem and is NOT recommended if:

1.  The odor is originating from inside the house (if you smell an odor indoors) 

2. The odor is originating from any leaks in the septic tank or plumbing vent system 

3. RV or a Food Truck 

4. Historic Home or older home with a noticeably slow plumbing system 

5. Alternative Septic System where there is a blower or fan moving air (contact us about your application) 

5. Home with a bathroom remodel or smell coming from bathroom, kitchen or laundry room

6. Ejector Pit or other similar application where there are sudden air movements
For what situations is the OdorHog filter intended? 
1. For situations where the septic gas odor (hydrogen sulfide or "sewer gas") is coming out of the plumbing vent pipes on the roof. 

2. Filters can also install onto vents that are directly connected to the septic tank. 

3. Municipal / City-sewer connections can bring sewer gas into the home's plumbing vents. The OdorHog filter has proven beneficial in those cases too. 

4. Many roof lines can trap or funnel vent pipe gases into the heat pump or air handler, pulling the odors inside the building when the air handler is on. 

5. Can be used on septic holding tanks.
Can I use the OdorHog if my house is venting Radon through the plumbing vents? 
No. Vent pipe filters should NEVER be put on the plumbing vents if a house is venting Radon through them.
Do I have to get a filter for every plumbing vent on the house? 
Yes. Our experience has been that if you filter only one of the vents, the gas will find the path of least resistance and exit the un-filtered plumbing vent instead of going through the filtered vent. Your vent system is inner-connected, like a snake running throughout the inside of your home. If you filter one vent, it will act like a cork in a bottle and cause enough resistance that the gas will look for another location to exit.
What colors do the OdorHogs come in? 
We sell them in PVC white and ABS black plastic. You may also paint your OdorHog to match your roof. However, we recommend that you don't paint the metal rain-cap, so as to keep paint from getting inside. We suggest you try it out before painting it, as we cannot make a refund for painted or modified units.
Do the OdorHog filters freeze up in extreme cold? 
OdorHog's have a freeze protectant built in. There is a salt based material that is added directly to the carbon bag that coats the carbon and prevents it from freezing. Most of our customers do not experience an issue with freezing. In situations where the OdorHogs are left on the roof for years without a carbon change out, and the carbon has become fully saturated with sewer gases, the carbon pellets can breakdown and cause restriction. 

Vent pipes and an OdorHog filter can occasionally freeze in sustained below freezing temperatures. If you live in this type of climate, it is recommended that you remove the units for the coldest months to prevent any issues. Or you may want to consider our inline model. This style filter is installed below the roofline keeping the filter out of the elements and working optimally all year round.

For cold climates, we recommend the black ABS models which will absorb more heat than the white PVC models. We recommend replacing the carbon bag inside the filter after you notice the smell reappearing; this means your carbon has reached its capacity and needs to be replaced.
Who buys an OdorHog?
Anyone with a stinky vent pipe. Our customers are businesses, schools, hospitals, restaurants and home owners. Commercial customers who have their plumbing vents located too close to their air handlers, which can pull the odor back into the building through the air conditioner.
General Septic Odor Questions
Will the OdorHog filter help indoor septic odor at all? 
Only if the outdoor odor from the roof vent pipe is being pulled in through windows or roof top air-conditioners. If you have indoor odor, call your plumber. Check to see that all drains have traps installed. Check to see that all the traps have water in them to hold back the gas. When the water in a trap dries out, it lets the gas through. The plumber may have to do what's called a "smoke test" to see where the septic gas is coming in. If the odor is coming from around the toilet, it could be a dried out wax ring under the toilet.
I have installed the OdorHog, now I am getting the odors inside my house, why? 
As mentioned above, OdorHog will restrict air flow somewhat. If you do not have a completely sealed venting system this restriction will expose those leaking points. We have found that there may be a variety of reasons why this is happening. 

The wax rings under your toilets may have become crusty due to age and are allowing the gases to leak through. While installing a picture on a wall, a screw or nail that is too long may have penetrated a vent pipe and thus damaged the venting system. P-Traps under sinks or in the floor have gone dry and need to be filled with water to seal the venting system. If you have an odor after installing the OdorHog in the basement from a floor drain, your floor drain may not have a p-trap installed.
Why do some homes have this problem and others don't? 
We believe it's due to air currents. Sometimes a "temperature inversion" puts a layer of air over your house and prevents the sewer gases from being carried up and away. Another scenario is if you live on the down-wind side of a hill, then the downdrafts might bring the sewer gases down to ground level. There are also some roof types that are more likely to have this issue; parapets can trap the air flow, hips or valleys on the roofline can bring the air down to the perimeter more easily, etc.
What about additives? 
The inventor of the OdorHog tried additives and they didn't work for him so that's why he invented the OdorHog. We are not septic tank experts. Please refer to a competent septic tank installer, septic tank pumper, or plumber for questions regarding septic tank maintenance.
Shipping Questions
Where do you ship your products? 
We ship within the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii and US territories) and Canada

For our Canadian friends, all prices on our website are in US Dollars. The item price and the shipping cost does not include any custom fees or import taxes that may be due from the shipping carrier.
Do you give discounts to contractors and builders? 
We will consider discounts for Resellers and Plumbing Suppliers based upon order volume.

Please email us or call to discuss your volume purchase. We will require tax id and/or contractor license information.
What is your return policy? 
The OdorHog vent pipe filters are guaranteed to eliminate odors that originate from your vent pipes. If they do not solve your problem, please contact us within 90 days for return information and a refund.

We do not refund shipping costs. In some cases a restocking fee will apply.
Can I place an order through the website for SATURDAY delivery? 
If you need Saturday delivery, please call 800-963-6746 to check the availability and price. Do not order on the website.

All of our online shipping options are based on BUSINESS days. "Next Day Air" means next business day and "Second Day Air" means the second business day. UPS does not count Saturday and Sunday as business days. If you place an order on Friday using "Next Day Air," your package will arrive on Monday. Ordering on Friday with "Second Day Air" means that your package will be received on Tuesday.
Installation
BEFORE installing your OdorHog
Right out of the box, tap the unit firmly, up and down on a solid surface. This will fully seat the carbon bag inside the cavity. OdorHogs are shipped horizontally (fully assembled for your convenience) and during transit, the mesh carbon bag occasionally shifts inside the body of the filter, which would allow odors to escape, sneaking up the inside of the body of the filter.  
Installing a Mushroom Cap or Metal Cap
Plastic slip on cuffs require no glue or tools. Snug it on and give it a twist. Clamp-on units require a 5/16” nut driver or a flat head screwdriver, either will work. Slide the rubber coupling over your vent pipe. For more tips, please see below in our troubleshooting section.
Installing an In-Line Filter
Check out this video: 
Inline Install Video  

Measure the length of your filter. Take that measurement and subtract two inches. This will be the length of pipe to remove from your vent pipe. Either end can be facing up or down. Do not remove the belt clamps closest to the center, as they hold a screen in place that secures the carbon filter. Mark the vent pipe with a marker. Use a hack saw or similar saw to remove the section of pipe. Loosen the belt clamps closest to the ends and slip one end of the in-line filter over the vent pipe. Slip the other end of the filter over the other section of pipe. This will give you one inch of pipe on both ends in which to tighten the belt clamps. Tighten both ends of the filter snugly. Rubber couplings are flexible when warm.

Troubleshooting
Still smelling odor after the installation and it's coming from the vent pipe? 
1. If you’ve already tapped the unit firmly (up and down motion) and smell odor from the vent pipe and the OdorHog after installation, remove the cap on the filter and pull the carbon bag out by the handle. Snip the top off the carbon bag. Pour the carbon directly into the filter, then replace the cap. This should resolve the issue. 

 2. If you are experiencing odor inside the building after installation, the restriction from the densely packed carbon should be lessened. Remove the cap on the filter and snip the top off the bag. Pour ½ of the carbon directly into the body of the filter (reserve the other half for later use), then replace the cap. This should resolve the issue. If it does not, email Info@OdorHog.com for assistance.
Is your toilet gurgling or is there water movement in the toilet bowl after the installation? 
It's possible that your vent system is experiencing more restriction than your home allows. This can require an adjustment to the filter to increase the air flow and reduce the restriction on your vent system. It is more noticeable on homes with smaller vents (1.5" or 2" vents) or on a home with a single vent. 

To lessen restriction from the carbon filter, remove the cap on the filter and snip the top off the bag. Pour ½ of the carbon directly into the body of the filter (reserve the other half for later use), then replace the cap. This should resolve the issue. If it does not, email Info@OdorHog.com for assistance.
Tips for Rubber Couplings
When you are ready to install your OdorHogs on the vent pipes, warm up the rubber by setting them in the sun for a few minutes prior to installation. This will make them more flexible to work with. If you have a pipe that has a slightly larger measurement than your OdorHog, it's best to remove the bottom stainless steel clamp completely and put it over the vent pipe. You will be able to snug the rubber lip over the vent pipe, then secure it with the stainless steel clamp. A screwdriver will loosen and tighten the clamps, however a 5/16" nut driver makes the install process even smoother. If you have any questions about installation, please email us at Info@OdorHog.com.
Replacing Carbon
Accessing the carbon bags
OdorHog carbon bags can be replaced while the filter remains on the vent stack. 

Mushroom caps have 3 screws – unscrew them ½ way out and then lift the top off. 

Metal caps should be gently shimmied back and forth to lift off. No tools are required.

In-Line Units: Loosen the upper belt clamps with a 5/16” nut driver and slide the rubber coupling up onto the vent pipe.
Replacing the carbon bag
The used carbon bag can be pulled out by the zip tie handle and disposed of. Be sure to wear disposable gloves.

1. Hold the new carbon bag upside-down, (the zip tie handle is temporarily at the bottom of the bag). 

2. Pinch the bag together at the top, allowing the carbon to shift to toward the zip tie. This will cause the bag to become narrow on one end. 

3. Flip the bag upright and insert the narrow end into the OdorHog. It may take some slight massaging and shifting of the carbon inside the bag, to fully fill the cavity. The zip tie should now be on the top, so it can be pulled out when you change out the carbon bag next time. 

4. Make sure the bag is fully seated in the cavity so gases must pass through the carbon instead of sneaking up the side of the body of the filter.
Reinstalling the filter cap
Mushroom Cap: Screw the mushroom cap back on. Additional holes in the body will not cause any issues with performance. 

Metal Cap: Push the metal cap back on using a towel or flat handed so it does not bend the metal cap. A gentle side to side motion will secure the cap back in place. 

In-Line Units: After the new bag is installed, tighten down the new bag’s zip tie, or place a new zip tie further down on the unit to force the charcoal to become fully seated inside the cavity. Slide the rubber coupling down the pipe, onto the filter and secure the stainless steel bands with a 5/16” nut driver.

If you smell odor coming from the vent pipe and filter after the carbon change, remove the OdorHog and tap it firmly several times (using and up and down motion) to fully seat the carbon in the unit. Then reinstall onto the vent pipe.