Sump Pump Line Freezing in Durham- How to Prevent It 

When the discharge pipe on your sump pump freezes, the sump pump has to work harder to keep up with the heat and may eventually fail due to overheating. If water builds up in your sump basin again, it might cause serious problems in your Durham, NC basement. To keep your sump pump line from freezing, take these steps.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Make sure the sump pump discharge pipe is buried in the soil or raised above grade at a downward angle outside your home.

Bury the pipe at least five inches below the frost line (the depth below which the earth does not freeze) to keep it from freezing. Where the pipe contacts the soil at the frost line and where the water disperses is where the pipe is most vulnerable.

If you choose an above-grade option, extend the discharge line away from the house on a downward slope. It is not necessary for the slope to be steep, but it must be continuous in order for water to flow. Attach a freeze-resistant hose to the discharge hose's end. Water should be discharged at least 20 feet away from the foundation. To guarantee that water does not build, use a smooth, rigid hose. Water that has been straightened too far is more likely to freeze.

Insulate the sump pump's output and intake portions, as well as the tubing connecting the two, to protect them from freezing. For a more basic fix, cover the exterior pipe with hay (a natural insulator) and a tarp. Do not use anti-freeze in your sump pump. 

Check your sump basin and sump pump on a regular basis to verify that they are in good operating condition. Make sure nothing, including snow and ice, is impeding your flex discharge line. Make sure your pump doesn't spray water onto your sidewalk or driveway, since this might cause dangerous ice to form.

If your sump pump pipe is frozen, defrost it with portable heaters. You should not melt the line with a blow torch because you risk injuring yourself or causing damage to the property. Turn off the sump pump and call a professional plumber if you can't thaw the hose on your own.

If your property floods or has additional water damage or mold, Restoration 1 is here to help. We are available at all times. Contact Restoration 1 of Durham for skilled water damage restoration and mold treatment.