Many people think that sump pumps are less necessary once the ground freezes. However, winter can be one of the most demanding seasons for a sump pump. If the pump fails, the basement can flood within minutes. Below, this sump pump repair company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois is going to explain how and why sump pumps can freeze in winter.
Is it the pump or the pipe?
One of the biggest misconceptions people have in winter is that the sump pump itself freezes. But this is rare.
Most sump pumps are installed in a sump pit below the basement floor. This is where ground temperatures stay relatively stable throughout the year. Because the ground protects the pump motor and housing below grade, the pump almost never freezes.
So, if the pump is usually not the problem, where does the problem start? The answer is almost always the discharge line.
The discharge line carries water from the sump pump out of the home. Unlike the pump, this pipe runs through unheated areas or above ground, where it is not protected from freezing temperatures. If water remains in the discharge line after a pump cycle, freezing temperatures can turn that water into ice.
When the discharge line freezes, an ice blockage forms and prevents water from exiting the system. The pump may continue to run and force water against a frozen pipe. This situation can make the pump look as though it has stopped working. However, the reality is that it’s running properly but cannot discharge the water due to the frozen line.
If you do not resolve this situation in time, the consequences can escalate. A frozen discharge line can cause long-term damage to your pump or flooding in your basement. This is why it’s essential to contact a professional sump pump repair company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois at the first sign of trouble.
Why do some sump pumps freeze more?
The most common reason is poorly laid-out discharge piping. Discharge lines that slope too little or contain low spots can trap water after the pump shuts off. When temperatures drop, that trapped water can freeze and form an ice blockage.
Above-ground discharge lines are most at risk. These sections are directly exposed to cold air and wind, which can cause water to freeze faster and stay frozen longer. Even small amounts of trapped water can expand into solid obstructions that block drainage during the next pump cycle.
Exterior discharge points can also cause freezing. When water exits too close to the foundation, it can freeze at the outlet. As more water is pumped out, ice builds up and can eventually block the pipe from the outside in. Most people will find it hard to spot this ice buildup, but it can still be extremely disruptive.
How can professional installation prevent freezing?
Proper installation is one of the best defenses against winter freezing. An important factor is discharge line slope.
A professional sump pump repair company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois will set the discharge line to slope downward from the home. As a result, gravity will let water drain fully after each pump cycle. The risk of freezing drops when the discharge line has no low spots or flat sections that hold water.
Looking for a sump pump repair company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois?
Do you think your sump pump is at risk of freezing? If so, and if you are ready to have it inspected by the most trusted sump pump repair company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the best choice. Contact us today to schedule an inspection with our team.