What If Your Sump Pump Freezes?
- Step 1: Cut the Power Safety first! ...
- Step 2: Clear the Drain Line of Any Obstructions ...
- Step 3: Empty the Sump Pit ...
- Step 4: Detach the Drain Line ...
- Step 5: Pour Boiling Water Down the Line ...
- Step 6: Reconnect the Drain Line and Power on the Pump ...
How do you Thaw a frozen sump pump pipe?
If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it’s best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
How do you insulate a sump pump discharge line?
The sump pump discharge line and the intake section should be insulated to guard against freezing. A larger diameter pipe can be attached to the end of sump pump hose using wires and clamps, leaving air gap between the hose and the larger pipe.
Can you use a blow torch to thaw a sump pump?
Also, the sump pump must not discharge water onto the sidewalk and driveway to prevent dangerous ice. If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property.
Can a sump pump discharge line freeze up?
Sump pump discharge lines can freeze causing the sump pump to run continuously, eventually burning up the pumps motor. It also means if the water has nowhere to go the sump pump basket may overflow flooding your basement. A person can do a few different things to prevent this from happening.
What do I do if my sump pump discharge line is frozen?
If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it's best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
Can a sump pump discharge line freeze?
Sump pump discharge lines can easily freeze during freeze/thaw cycles. Once frozen, they can be clogged for months. Depending on how it's been designed, the discharge line of a sump pump system can be a major weak point in a sump pump system.
What do you do with a sump pump hose in the winter?
Remove your sump pump's discharge hose for the winter. When you know your area is about to experience a long period of cold weather, remove the hose connecting your sump pump to the discharge pipe and leave it off until warmer weather returns.
How do you unclog a sump pump discharge pipe?
Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.
Do sump pumps freeze in the winter?
Though they usually work fine on their own without much monitoring, it's not uncommon for a pump to freeze in the winter. Frozen basement sump pump systems can spell disaster if they fail to remove water from a filling sump pit.
How do I keep my underground sewer from freezing?
How to prevent your sewer line from freezing:Know where the shut-off valve is in your home. ... Make sure that your water heater is working properly. ... Make sure that your pipes are properly insulated, especially ones that are exposed to outdoor areas. ... In extreme cold, it's ok to run a dribble of water from your faucets.More items...•
Should water be sitting in my sump pump?
It's perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump's float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
Should a sump pump ever be dry?
Having a routinely dry sump pit can be just as harmful to your pump as having an overwhelming, continuous flow of water. When a sump pit remains dry for extended periods of time, seals can dry out and crack. The inner workings of the pump can also seize up.
When should you unplug your sump pump?
If the hose does become clogged with ice, simply unplug the sump pump so it will not attempt to work and remove water from the sump pit and let the hose thaw or simply remove the extension hose and try to operate the pump that way.
Can I pour vinegar in my sump pump?
This can build up on the sump pump's impeller and cause damage. DON'T use concentrated bleach or vinegar on your sump pump. When using the recommended cleaning compounds, follow the needed water dilution to keep your sump pump safe. DON'T disassemble the unit invasively while cleaning.
How do I know if my sump pump is clogged?
Pour about 5 gallons of water into the sump basin to test the pump. Observe the float and the triggering of the on/off switch and make sure that the water exits the basin efficiently. Pour another 5 gallons of water into the basin and again monitor the pump's actions.
Can you manually drain a sump pump?
You can remove the water using a hand pump instead. Put the hand pump into the sump pump hole, then attach a garden hose to the threaded discharge end of the hand pump. Run the hose outside the nearest window and drain the water outside.
Why is discharge line freezing?
The primary reason for your A/C line freezing is that your evaporator coils are getting too cold. The evaporator coils in your system are filled with refrigerant, which in turn absorbs the heat created by your air conditioner.
Does sump pump discharge need to be below frost line?
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips Outside of your house, make sure the sump pump discharge line is sunken in the ground or raised above grade at a downward angle. To protect the pipe from freezing, bury it at least five inches below the frost line (the maximum depth of ground below which the soil doesn't freeze).
Can underground drains freeze?
They also keep the area near the house free of water and leaking issues. Overall, they're a great addition to any home. Unfortunately, we have winters in Minnesota and these water drainage systems can freeze.
Can main drain line freeze?
yes. It's possible for all of your plumbing lines to freeze if the conditions permit. Having a frozen sewer line can be like being in a bad dream.
Why Is My Sump Pump Outlet Frozen?
Before you learn how to thaw a frozen sump pump line, it helps to understand why your sump pump outlet is frozen to begin with. The most common cause is water sitting in the pump. When water isn’t running, it’s more likely to freeze. Lack of insulation is another common reason your pump outlet line will freeze.
What to Do If Your Sump Pump Line is Frozen
Do you know what to do if your sump pump line is frozen? It’s critical to take the right steps to fix the problem without damaging the pump in the process. Follow these six steps to safely thaw the line when your sump pump outlet is frozen.
How to Prevent a Frozen Sump Pump Discharge Line
The best way to make sure your sump pump is ready when you need it is to prevent freezing in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid a frozen sump pump line:
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Knowing how to prevent a frozen sump pump discharge line and having a safe process for thawing the outlet can give you peace of mind that could prevent water damage to your home.
Why is my sump pump running?
Because the pumps run year round that creates issues when the temps are below freezing. If your sump pump seems to be running continuously it could mean one of two things: either your back flow check valve is failing or your discharge line is frozen.
How to prevent a sump pump from freezing?
Use a Heat Cable to Prevent Sump Pump Hose Freeze ups. Another option would be to use some kind of heat cable on the discharge line. You would only do this if your discharge line is hard piped with PVC. This is not something we recommend if you are using the thin flexible discharge line.
Why does my sump pump run year round in Minnesota?
Residents of this area have their sump pumps run year round. Because the pumps run year round that creates issues when the temps are below freezing. If your sump pump seems to be running continuously it could mean one of two things: either your back flow check valve is failing or your discharge line is frozen.
What is the number to call for a sump pump?
For more info or to have a sump pump installed call us at 763-551-8990.
What to do if you have a flex line on your sump?
If you have a flex line on the sump make sure that it is free and clear of debris, snow, and ice during the cold winter months. You may also want to make sure that it is not discharging water that will freeze and create dangerously icy conditions in a spot that could cause you trouble.
Can a sump pump run in the winter?
The problem with doing this is that if the sump pump needs to run in the winter it will be discharged right next to the house instead of away from the home. When that happens it is likely that the water that you just pumped out of the basement will make its way back to the basement again. A homeowner should have a couple flexible discharge lines on ...
Can a sump pump freeze up?
Once the pipe is outside however it is often then attached to flexible sump pump discharge tubing. This flexible discharge line should be removed in the fall so that it doesn’t freeze up.
What does removing a check valve do?
By removing the check valve it accomplished two things--- 1) it allowed the water to drain back into the sump so it was not stagnant and 2) it allowed air into the line to "replace" the water.
Where should I redirect my sump pump?
For this winter, if you have a clogged/frozen sump pump drain line, I would redirect the sump pump drain into the laundry tub/main house drain. (this is only a temporary fix until warmer weather.)
Can a sump pump discharge into a sewer line?
Officially, most municipals do not allow sump pump discharge directly into the sanitary sewer lines. Among the reasons is that if "everybody" did it, the extra volume would overwhelm the water treatment system capacity.
Which is better for drainage: gravel or sand?
Sand and gravel is better for drainage then dirt and clay.
How far away should a sump pump discharge hose be from the foundation?
A hose that’s smooth, rigid, and freeze-resistant should be connected to the end of the discharge hose, and should discharge water at least 6 metres away from the foundation. If the pipe is properly sloped, gravity will help keep the water flowing (standing water in the pipe is more likely to freeze). The sump pump discharge line and the intake ...
Why is it important to keep a sump pump from freezing?
That means that it won’t do its job of discharging water that accumulates around the foundation. Thus, it’s important to help prevent sump pump lines from freezing to keep the basement safe from flooding.
How deep should a pipe be buried?
If the pipe is buried, it should be buried at least 12 centimetres below the frost line (the maximum depth of ground below which the soil doesn’t freeze). The section of pipe where the pipe meets the ground at the frost line and at the end of the line where the water disperses is where the pipe generally freezes.
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Can you use a blow torch to thaw a sump pump?
If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it’s best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
Do sump pumps have to be tested?
The sump basin should be checked regularly, and the sump pump also needs to be tested from time to time to ensure it’s working properly. Also, the sump pump must not discharge water onto the sidewalk and driveway to prevent dangerous ice. If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it.
Can you put anti freeze in a sump pump?
As a simpler insulation alternative, the outside pipe with can be covered with hay (a natural insulator) and a tarp. Automotive anti-freeze should never be poured in the sump pump.
