How To Unfreeze Sump Pump Line

Sump pumps are essential in any household and establishment. However, sump pumps are prone to freezing, which can also cause a problem. But don’t worry, because we have tips for you on how to unfreeze the sump pump line.

Before that, let us know more about the sump pump to understand how it works thoroughly.

What is a sump pump?

It is a device that we can usually find in a basement. Its sole purpose is to pump out the excess water that may cause flooding. It also helps us to lessen the cost of repair and structural damage in the future.

Unfreeze Sump Pump Line

How does it work?

Sump pumps push water out of your basement and away from your house. A sump is a naturally formed pit and typically a hole cut beneath the main surface of your basement floor. The sump pump is hidden in this pit, which we call a basin.

The pump contains valves that detect rising water levels or pressure. Sump pumps use a discharge pipe to pump excess water out of the basement and away from your property when the water level rises too high. This connection, referred to as effluent, links the sump pump to a drainage area.

Now that you know about the sump pump, below are the steps to unfreeze the sump pump line.

Steps on How to Unfreeze Sump Pump Line

1. Turn off the Power

Always turn off the power before working on anything that involves water. To avoid a shock and being rush to the hospital, turn off the breaker or unplug the sump pump.

2. Examine the Area

Examine the location where your drain line flows onto the street. Look for ice or snow at the end of the line to see if it’s blocked. Remove any noticeable impediments.
Set up a space heater next to the drain hole and leave it there for about an hour if you feel that the ice is highly close to the drain line’s end. You can also use an extension cord to connect a hairdryer and blow hot air down the drain opening.

Drain water in the sump pump pit

3. Empty Any Water

Drain any remaining water in the sump pump pit. Use a tiny submersible pump to drain the water from the sump pit if you have one.

To empty the pit, you can also use a wet or dry vacuum. If required, physically dump out the water with a cup and bucket.

4. Disconnect the Drain Line

Disconnect the pump’s drain pipe. To loosen the line from sump pumps, you’ll need a screwdriver or a tiny wrench.

5. Increase the Temperature

Turn on the heater or move a space heater closer to your pump to raise the temperature in your basement. A frozen pump will not drain your pit or keep your basement dry. (Read How To Thaw Underground Water Pipes)

Raise the temperature above freezing to unfreeze a pump. Remember, basements are usually the coldest parts of the house, mainly if the windows are not well insulated.

6. Boil and Pour Water

Boil water in a large pot. Then, pour the hot water into the sump pump‘s drain line carefully. Remove the sump pump as needed if the water starts to back up into the pit.

7. Continue Pouring the Boiling Water

Pour the boiling water continuously down the line until the ice melts and the water drains freely. The ice may need to be defrosted several times before it is thawed. Once the ice blockage has defrosted, the water should drain freely.

8. Plug-In

After following the steps, the last one is to connect the line to the pump and plug in the sump pump again.

A cold temperature gives a strong possibility of a frozen sump pump. To avoid this, make it a habit always to check your sump pumps. Also, before installing one, plan it carefully and appropriately as there are different sump pumps.

Indeed, sump pumps help to prevent any flood in our homes and our basements. Having one comes with the responsibility of maintaining it, especially if it is frozen.

To those thinking about whether they should install a sump pump, you must consider its benefits, and if you live in a flood-prone area, this can help you. Don’t worry about its maintenance or a frozen sump pump because we have the steps to unfreeze them.

How To Unfreeze Sump Pump Line