At Bates Plumbing, we’ve been receiving a lot of calls lately from homeowners dealing with frozen sump pump discharge lines. With winter in full swing, this is a common problem that can lead to serious basement flooding if not addressed quickly. If your sump pump line is frozen, here’s what you need to do to fix it and prevent future issues.

Why Does a Sump Pump Discharge Line Freeze?

Your sump pump removes excess water from your basement or crawl space and pumps it outside through a discharge line. In cold weather, this line can freeze due to several factors:

• Shallow Buried Pipes – Most sump pump discharge lines are buried only about a foot underground, meaning they’re still exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Improper Pitch & Pipe Bellies – If the discharge pipe isn’t properly sloped, water can pool in low spots (bellies) and freeze, creating a blockage.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles – Warmer temperatures and rain can send excess water through the line, but if the ground is still frozen, that water can quickly turn to ice when temperatures drop again.

Once the pipe is frozen, the sump pump can’t push water out, which can lead to backup and flooding inside your home.Signs Your Sump Pump Line is Frozen

• Your sump pump runs continuously but isn’t discharging water.
• Water is backing up into your basement or crawl space.
• You see ice buildup near the sump pump drain outside.
• You hear unusual noises from your sump pump, such as humming or clicking.

Steps to Fix a Frozen Discharge Line

‍If you suspect your sump pump discharge line is frozen, follow these steps:

‍1. Turn Off Your Sump Pump

‍First, unplug your sump pump to prevent damage. If it continues running against a frozen pipe, the motor can burn out.

‍2. Locate the Frozen Section

‍Check the discharge line outside your home. If your pipe is exposed, the frozen section is typically near the exit point or in low spots where water sits. If the pipe is buried, you won’t be able to pinpoint the frozen section as easily.

‍3. Reroute the Discharge Line Temporarily

‍If your pipe is buried and frozen underground, you may need to disconnect or cut the discharge line near the pump and attach a temporary above-ground hose to direct water away from your home. If you don’t have the proper tools to do this, it’s best to call a plumber. Be sure to place the new discharge point where the water won’t flow back toward your foundation.

If your pipe is above ground, you should disconnect it from the sump pump to allow your sump pump to keep discharging. You could just run another temporary line to get the water away from your home.

‍4. Wait for it to thaw out

‍If you installed a temporary discharge hose, disconnect it when temperatures warm up to see if the original underground discharge line has thawed. Avoid forcing heat onto buried pipes, as this can damage them. If the underground line remains frozen for an extended period, you may need to continue using the temporary setup until the ground naturally thaws.

‍5. Reconnect and Test the Sump Pump

‍Once the line is clear, reconnect the original discharge line if it was disconnected. Plug your sump pump back in and test it by pouring water into the pit. If everything is flowing properly, you’re good to go.

Need Help? Call Bates Plumbing

If your sump pump discharge line is frozen and you’re unsure what to do, give us a call. At Bates Plumbing, we’ve been handling a high number of frozen sump pump issues this season, and we can quickly get yours back in working order. Don’t wait until your basement starts flooding—contact us today!

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