what to do if my Sump Pump freezes?

Answer 1

I like the skate answer, makes sense to me.

Seriously though, you have a greater chance of the discharge line freezing than the pump. If the pump is in a crock the water in the bottom probably won't freeze unless it is directly exposed to a very cold source. The vertical discharge line, however, can easily freeze especially if it has a check valve. If the pump tries to run and it can't flow water it can overheat causing it to go in thermal overload and won't run again until it cools down.

Try this: (1) Make sure the line is thawed by disconnecting it at the check valve clamps. Be careful if you do it at the top because if it isn't frozen you will get wet. If frozen, thaw. (2) Make sure the outlet - outside the house - for the pipe is not in ice or frozen itself. (3) Pull your pump and make sure the impeller at the bottom still spins and is free of debris. (4) Make the pump run by lifting the float or creating suction if you have a pressure switch - you might literally have to suck on the little white tube right on top of the plug. If it doesn't run replace it.

If the pump runs it is probably your line that is the problem. If there isn't a top on the crock make one out of wood or heavy cardboard. Cover it liberally with anything that can insulate it - an old rug, towel, blanket, etc. The warmth of the ground usually will keep it from freezing. Just for the winter, you might remove the check valve. The water in the vertical pipe will run back into the crock but if you don't have too much vertical rise, the volume of water might not be enough to make the pump keep kicking on and off. If it does cycle on and off you will have to reinstall the check meaning you will have to keep the discharge pipe from freezing. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I'm guessing that considering the weather in the north this winter, you shouldn't need a sump pump until things thaw out.

Answer 3

Pat C's annswer is awesome...lot of info there...and really good info.....but your question was "if".......It should not because we put them under the freeze line and "if" it ever did,well, next spring dig your sump a deeper hole.

Answer 4

then all the seeping water will too, & you won't need a sump pump

Answer 5

you will need to put heat near there. the temp has to be above 32 F.
as soon as the temperature near there is above 32 F, you can pour warm water into the hole to melt the ice.

Answer 6

find a different one to alternate with, or try to find a way to keep it from freezing

Answer 7

If it is not totally frozen take and set a hair dryer next to it until it kicks in....

Answer 8

if its closed in ,install a heat lamp over it, this will keep it from freezing

Answer 9

Might try putting some antifreeze in with it.

Answer 10

turn it off untill you get it thawed out or you might burn out the motor