When the line freezes, the sump pump cannot discharge water and could overheat or fail. Common Causes Sump Pump discharge lines can freeze for a number of reasons. The most common cause for discharge lines to freeze up is the discharge pipe is connected to a small hose laid across the ground.
How do you winterize a sump pump discharge?
- Remove your sump pump’s discharge hose for the winter. ...
- Make sure to re-attach the hose when warmer temperatures return. ...
- Have an extra discharge hose handy. ...
- Never unplug your sump pump. ...
- Clear out debris in your sump pump’s pit. ...
- Test your pump regularly.
How do you keep a sump pump discharge from freezing?
The best way to prevent a discharge line from freezing is with as much insulation as possible . To achieve this, you can try burying the line deeper underground, or try adding insulation using hay and a tarp. Give your sump pump a slight slope.
Is it normal for sump pump to run in winter?
Firstly, it is important to note that it is normal for sump pumps to run occasionally during the winter as a bit of melted snow will accumulate in the sump pit over time. ... A sump pump which engages for long periods of time but isn’t able to remove moisture from the sump pit can overheat or even burn out.
Where do sump pumps discharge?
As water fills the basin—usually an 18-inch diameter pit excavated into the basement floor—a float switch actuates the pump and water is discharged through the sump pump drain line . The indoor span of drain line is usually a 1 1/4-inch or 1 1/2-inch PVC pipe.
How do you fix a frozen sump pump discharge?
If your sump pump pipe is frozen, use portable heaters to thaw it . Don’t use a blow torch to thaw the line as you could hurt yourself or damage the house. If you can’t thaw the hose yourself, turn off the sump pump and call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
How much does it cost to bury a discharge pipe sump pump?
You’ll have to include the cost to bury your sump pump’s discharge pipe, and this cost ranges from $250 to $2,000 . Most sump pumps go in basements, and they could have gravel or dirt floors that are easier to work with.
Can I bury my sump pump line?
The simplest installations have a discharge hose leading from the house to the outdoors. ... Burying the pipe or hose eliminates that problem; however, the buried hose must connect to a disposal point . Burying a sump pump line is not that difficult once you’ve established a plan for where you want the line to go.
How often should sump pump run in winter?
Assuming your sump pump is in good normal operating condition, it should only run when the water level activates that float switch. Depending on your location, it’s not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day .
Is it normal for my sump pump to run constantly?
When a sump pump runs continuously or too often, regardless of the weather conditions or season, it’s a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, before the overworked pump burns out. ... Stuck sump pump switches – Especially in cheaper models, the float switch can become clogged or tangled (see #3 above).
Are sump pumps supposed to run continuously?
A sump pump system that’s constantly in operation can begin to overheat and break down . This is especially true if your sump pump is running when there’s no water in the pit, as that water will help your system cool itself down during operation.
How long can a sump pump drain line be?
Installing discharge pipe of a larger size is not a huge problem and is in fact recommended for longer runs of pipe, typically 20 feet or more . The real problems occur when the diameter of the discharge pipe is too small.
How much does it cost to fix a sump pump?
The average cost to repair a sump pump is $508 . The final price could range anywhere from $110 to a little over $1,000, depending on the extent of the service. Homeowners pay $308 and $733 on average. You’ll know when your sump pump has stopped working because you’ll have an abundance of moisture in your basement.
How far away from the house should a sump pump drain?
A. Preferably, sump water should be discharged at least 20 feet away from the house. All water from the sump pump should be directed away from the house in such a way that it drains away from the house. It should not be directed onto your neighbor’s lot, into window wells or onto the septic system drain field.
How do you thaw a frozen sump pump discharge?
If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it’s best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
How do you unclog a sump pump discharge pipe?
Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.
