Maintaining your sump pumps operating in top condition is crucial as it will help keep the basement clean and dry. In colder temperatures, it’s not uncommon for the pipe to your sump to freeze. While this can be a hassle, a frozen sump pump line can cause more significant damage, like flooding your basement.
Find out more about what you can do if the sump pump line has become frozen and how you can thaw an unfrozen sump pump line without harm.
What Is the Reason Why My Sump Pump Outlet Is Freezing?
Before you can figure out how to defrost the frozen line of your sump pump, It is helpful to understand why your sump pump’s outlet gets frozen in the first place. The most typical reason is the presence of water inside the pump. When the pump isn’t running, it is more susceptible to freezing. Insufficient insulation is another frequent reason your line to the pump’s outlet can get frozen. A well-insulated line should be sufficient to stop the pipe from freezing.
What to Do If Your Sump Pump Line Is Frosted
Are you aware of what you should do when your sump pump line has frozen? It’s crucial to follow the correct steps to the problem without damaging the pump. Follow these steps to ensure that you can thaw the line once your sump pump’s outlet is frozen.
1: Safety first! Before trying any sump pump fixes or repairs, make sure the circuit breaker for the pump gets turned off.
2: It’s time to crank up the heat. A higher temperature in your basement will help defrost the frozen water in the outlet and pump line. Also, you can increase the thermostat or put up an area heater next to the pump to heat things.
3: Let any left-over water by closing the drain. If you’ve got a substantial amount of water left, you may need to utilize hand pumps or a dry/wet vacuum to remove the remainder.
4: Check the line for obstructions due to obstructions or ice. Make sure to clear the line as far as possible to ensure proper water flow.
5: Clean the drain line of the sump pump.
6: Pour hot water slowly into the frozen line until the water gets no longer backed up.
How to Avoid a Frozen Sump Drain Line for Pumps
The best way to be sure that your sump pump is available when you need it is to keep it from freezing from the beginning. Here are some suggestions to avoid the possibility of a frozen line in your sump pump:
- Do not shut off the water at your home. If water flows through pipes, it’s more likely not to get frozen. And this is for the sump pump too.
- Insulate, insulate, insulate! One of the most effective methods to prevent the pump’s outlet safe from freezing is to shield it from the cold air. A sound insulation system is the best protection against the freezing of the Sump line.
- It gets recommended that water get diverted away from the pumps. The greater distance you can create between the pump and the wastewater more likely it will back up, which could lead to freezing. The upgrade to a freeze-resistant pipe to transport the discharge to the waist area will also reduce the chance of freezing. The hose should be in the most profound depth feasible; the deeper it goes more secure it will be from freezing temperatures.
Are You in Need of Help? Get in Touch with the Experts
Understanding how to prevent freezing of the discharge line and using a secure method for freezing the outlet will provide you with peace of mind and protect your home.
If you suspect you’ve got a frozen sump pump and you aren’t confident handling the issue yourself, call the local Ottawa Plumbing Service. We’ll quickly and securely fix the problem and examine the other components of your system to ensure that there’s no damage. Call us at (613) 317-1682 & info@ottawaplumbingservice.com to work your sump pump and keep your home safe.
