Drainage Pipes Frozen: Why Do Drains Block in Winter?
As the temperatures plummet, your drainage systems come under increased pressure. Frozen drainpipes can be a common problem that requires urgent attention and action throughout the season.
Our guide explores what causes frozen drainpipes, common signs, and how to prevent and fix the problem before it requires an emergency callout.
What Causes Frozen Drainpipes?
Winter typically brings colder weather, and when temperatures drop below 0°C, water can freeze in pipes. This can then expand, leading to cracks and long-term damage to your pipes.
When frozen pipes defrost, they can reveal splits that can result in water flowing freely from your drainage systems – and by the time you’ve realised the extent of the damage, it may be too late for a quick fix. Ice can also block the flow of water, reducing water pressure. We recommend taking a preventative approach to identify the root of the problem early on.
Outdoor pipes and any colder areas of a property, like a loft or attic, are at a higher risk of freezing, due to being more exposed to the cold during the winter temperatures. Other areas to explore include sink pipes that lead their way to the outside. Having a good understanding of your risk areas allows you to know where to inspect during the winter.
What Are Common Signs That Your Outdoor Drain Is Frozen?
When the colder months arrive, it’s important to be aware of the signs of frozen pipes across your property. Here are just a few things to keep in mind.
Low Water Pressure
If you’ve noticed water is trickling out of your taps, it can point to low water pressure in your pipes. This can be especially noticeable in toilets, which may struggle to refill completely after use.
Frost on Pipes
During subzero temperatures, ice and frost can build up on outside pipes as they are exposed to the cold. If it is frozen on the outside, it can be a sign that it is frozen inside the pipes as well.
Unusual Sounds
When a drainage system is blocked, you may start to notice gurgling sounds coming from your sink or pipes. It is caused by water and air that are trapped or cannot pass through as intended, particularly in the event of ice blocking its path.
Water Back Ups
When ice starts to form within the pipes, it can block the flow of water and prevent it from draining correctly. This can quickly cause water to back up through the drainage system, particularly when the sewer line is frozen.
How to Fix and Prevent Frozen Pipes?
There are several ways to prevent and fix frozen pipes in winter. As a baseline, we recommend continuously checking your pipes for freezing and splitting. Here are a few other things you should complete yourself:
Keep the Heating on a Low Temperature
Leaving your heating on a low temperature, i.e., between 16°C and 17°C, can help to prevent frozen pipes, especially when you are not home. Also, opening cabinet doors under sinks can help the warmer air circulate through the pipes.
Turn Off Water During Prolonged Absence
If you find yourself going away for a long period of time, it’s worth turning off your water supply to lower the risk of pipes freezing. Combine this with draining the system to completely remove all water from it to prevent costly winter repairs.
For long-term solutions, it’s worth hiring a professional as they can provide advice and specialist fixes for peace of mind.
Our professionals carry out CCTV drain surveys to inspect the reason for the blockage, and we do this in a way that causes minimal disruption.
Insulate Pipes
In any areas that are exposed to the cold, like roofs, garages, lofts, and outdoor pipes, adding insulation can help to prevent freezes during the winter months. On average, this insulation can increase the temperature of pipes by 1°C -2°C.
Insulation Jacket on Water Tank
An insulation jacket is a cover for your water tank that is made from either foam or fibreglass to retain heat throughout the season. This keeps water hotter for longer, which can save unnecessary heating costs, while preventing the water tank from freezing.
How We Can Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
At Drain Doctor, we’ve been helping home and business owners with frozen pipes for . If you spot any of the signs of a frozen drain, it’s important to seek emergency help to prevent further damage to your home or business.
Our can take preventative measures to keep your pipes running throughout the season. If ice is causing issues, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to minimise damage and disruption to your property.
Get in touch with our drainage specialists today to safeguard your pipes throughout the colder months.
FAQs
Can Sewer Lines Freeze?
Sewer lines can freeze during subzero temperatures, especially if they are poorly installed and maintained. This can cause a blockage of wastewater, which can lead to backups and even a burst pipe. If you suspect a frozen sewer line, it’s important to call a professional for an emergency fix to prevent serious health hazards.
When Are Pipes Most Likely to Freeze?
Pipes are most likely to freeze during the winter, when temperatures drop below 0°C. It particularly affects pipes in colder areas of your property, including those outside.
How Quickly Can Pipes Freeze?
During colder, subzero temperatures, exposed pipes can freeze in six to eight hours. This means that they can freeze overnight, when temperatures drop in the early hours of the morning.