Even though frozen sewer lines are not particularly common, the property owner will have inconveniences. The major problem with water freezing inside sewer pipes is that it expands, which can lead to damage or even complete failure of your plumbing system. Frozen pipes are troublesome even though they might not immediately break. Instead, as the water freezes and flows inside the pipe, pressure builds, and the weakest part of the line will eventually burst first.
Signs that your sewer line is frozen
The earlier you can identify the symptoms of a frozen sewage line; the sooner you can address the problem before it requires a significant repair. Your sewage pipe may be frozen if any of the following occurs while the ambient temperature is below freezing:
- Walls and ceilings with flooding or dampness
- Puddles or sinkholes outside for no apparent reason
- Your sewer system is making gurgling noises.
- The drainage system emits unpleasant odours
- pipes with frost
- No water is flowing from the faucets.
If you observe any of the below-mentioned signs, contact Eco Pro Plumbing for the best waterloo sewer line repair. Among its many services, Eco Pro Plumbing specializes in the maintenance and renovation of residential and high-rise buildings, as well as commercial, industrial, and other types of projects. Their extensive experience in mechanical and plumbing services spans two generations, and they offer various high-quality plumbing services at an affordable price. Eco Pro Plumbing provides the best customer service and workmanship in the plumbing industry.
How to thaw a frozen sewer line?
Before attempting any do-it-yourself method, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks. Consider hiring a professional team if you don’t have much plumbing knowledge.
- Firstly, find the holding tank for your home’s septic system. Then find the septic tank cover that is most appropriate for your home.
- Because it is concrete, you’ll need to use a crowbar to open the access cover. If the ground is frozen near the cover of the holding tank, consider digging around it.
- Connect a 6-inch nozzle to a garden hose, and then connect the hose to a water source that is not your domestic water supply. It’s best to have a utility room where you can connect a hose to that hot water supply.
- Make sure to keep the hot water you use to no more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. You might risk damaging the pipes in your home if the water is too hot.
- It would be best to locate the septic pipe that exits your home. Put the hose in line with the nozzle facing the house.
- You can find the ice blockage by turning on the water in your utility room and continuing to push the hose into the pipe until you encounter some resistance. If you spray hot water directly onto the ice, it should melt relatively quickly (you’ll feel the blockage loosen up while holding the hose).
- When the blockage clears, pull the hose out of the septic line, leaving the water running until it is entirely out of the line. Make sure you close the holding tank and leave it in the same condition as when you found it.
- You can sterilize your garden hose with Clorox wipes and clean it off with wet paper towels.
Ways to prevent frozen sewer lines
When you know what to protect, preventing your sewer line from freezing isn’t difficult. Following are some steps you can do to avoid frozen sewer lines:
- Invest in Pipe Insulation
You can invest in insulation and use it as your first defence against cold temperatures and exposed pipes. Wrap pipe insulation around the lines and secure it using electrical tape to insulate your sewer line.
- Examine your water Heater
Since it keeps the water running through the pipes hot enough to prevent freezing, you should ensure your water heater is functioning effectively.
- Run water
In freezing weather, the best thing to do is turn on your tap and let the water flow. Running water from your faucets is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing since water is far more likely to freeze when constantly flowing.
- Keep the drains clear.
It’s essential to keep your outdoor drains and septic tank warm when it’s snowing.
