Key takeaways
- Frozen discharge lines can back up a sump pump
- Disconnect outdoor hoses before freezes
- Keep a trickle in lines at risk
- Know your main shutoff
Outdoor lines
Make sure sump discharge lines and downspout extensions are clear of ice and leaves, and that sump discharge has a freeze-resistant outlet. Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor spigots before the first hard freeze.
A frozen outlet can leave a pump working against a block of ice.
Indoor drains
Drains in unheated spaces, such as a garage floor drain or a crawl space, can freeze in a hard cold snap. Keep the heat on, open cabinet doors on exterior walls and let a small trickle run in lines that have frozen before.
Know where your main shutoff is in case a pipe splits.
Holiday load
Winter holidays mean guests, cooking and more laundry. Avoid pouring grease down the drain and give your kitchen drain a cleaning before the busy weeks. Keep a plunger handy and know where the cleanout is.
A pre-holiday visit is easy to schedule.
After the cold snap
When temperatures rise, check under sinks, in the basement and around the sump for leaks. Run each drain and watch its flow. Put the spring visit on the calendar.
Cold weather finds the weak spots.
Quick answers
Can drain lines freeze?
Lines in unheated or exposed spaces can, especially outside the house.
Should I drip faucets?
In a hard freeze, a slow drip can keep water moving in at-risk lines.
Ready to put this on a schedule?
Call (615) 952-0844 or send the form below, and we will suggest a plan for your property.
