How To Defrost a Frozen Sump Pump
A sump pumps job is to prevent water from flooding in your basement. If your sump pump is frozen, it will not be able to do this properly. A flooded basement is a big problem, so making sure your sump pump is always in good working condition is very important.
How to Defrost Your Sump Pump
If you’ve discovered that your sump pump is frozen, here is how to defrost it;
Step 1: Shut off the Power to the Sump Pump
Your sump pump should have its own electrical circuit. They can also be powered by a battery backup. Before you start the defrosting process, you need to turn the power off through your home’s breaker box.
Step 2: Remove All Standing Water
Now that the power is off, remove as much of the standing water as you can around your frozen sump pump. Make sure there is no water left in the sump pump pit. Use a water pump to remove large amounts of water at once. You can use a shop vac, wet vac, or a hand pump to remove the large amounts of water. After removing the standing water, use a space heater to warm up your basement to get the temperature above freezing levels.
Step 3: Use Boiling Water to Defrost the Line
The basement may take a while to warm up, so let’s get started on the next step. The final step to defrost your frozen sump pump is to boil a pot of water and pour it into the pit once it starts to defrost. The boiling water will allow the ice to become soft enough to break away. Remove any ice that you can see lining the sump pump. Now, open the discharge pipe and pour hot water down it to melt any leftover ice.
What If I Used a Hose Kit To Install My Sump Pump?
Hose kits are an inexpensive and easy way to install a sump pump. If you, or someone else, used a hose kit to install your sump pump, the defrosting process is a little different. For these hoses, do not use the boiling water method. Instead, remove the hose and allow it to defrost naturally in a warm environment.
How to Prevent Your Sump Pump From Freezing
There are ways to prevent a frozen sump pump before it even happens.
Keeping a Warm Basement
Keeping your basement warm will prevent your sump pump from becoming frozen. Your basement does not have to be too warm, just warm enough to keep it from freezing levels. It will be worth it in the long run to avoid a frozen sump pump. Even if you keep your basement warm, you still need to be aware of any way cold air can enter your home. Make sure to seal the bottom of outside doors and windows.
Reducing Moisture in the Basement
Cold air coming into your basement will not only rack up your electric bill, but it can create unwanted moisture. If there are any openings in your windows or doors, make sure they are sealed properly or replaced. If this is not a problem you have, using a dehumidifier will help eliminate moisture.
Try to Insulate Your Sump Pump Line
If you plan on installing a new sump pump, there is something you can do to prevent it from becoming frozen in the future. If you wrap your sump pump pipes with insulation, it will help it from freezing. Before you look further into different types of sump pumps and ways to keep it warm, be sure you have done everything possible to keep your basement warm.
If you are having issues with your sump pump and can’t seem to solve the problem on your own, you need to call a professional to solve the problem for you.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a frozen sump pump isn’t fun, but it’s even worse to deal with a flooded basement. So follow these steps to fix a frozen sump pump and avoid it in the future. If you run into any problems, call a plumber to handle it for you!
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
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We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
