It’s officially here! Snow and the onset of blustery sub-zero temps! Are you and your home prepared to make sure your plumbing and drains work all season long? Ken’s Sewer Service always recommends annual main sewer line cleanings on maintenance because we have seen the worst of the worst when drain lines are neglected. We aren’t saying this to scare you, we want you to be proactive and prepared to avoid any unexpected and untimely drain back-ups and expensive basement flooding.
Did you know that your main sewer line can freeze? It sure can even if it’s buried below the frost line and knowing the signs that your plumbing pipes may be frozen is important information as a Minnesota homeowner. Water that is flowing through or trapped in a sewer pipe can freeze if it reaches any temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When water freezes, it expands in the pipe which can cause new or worse cracks and breaks already present. If your main line is often plagued with those pesky tree roots or if you have a back-pitched line, water and debris becomes hung-up in the line and won’t flow all the way to the city main. When this happens, and the water trapped in the line freezes, you could have a serious issue in the dead of winter – imagine not being able to use any drain in your home, or a pipe burst, or not notice the damage even occurred until the spring thaw. Excavating and repairing a broken main line in the colder months is even more costly and labor intensive.
Common signs of a frozen pipe is water present where it shouldn’t be (damp floors/walls), unusual noises or foul odor from drains, frost present on pipes, lack of water flow or only a slow drip from faucets.
Prevention tips for protecting pipes from freezing:
- Locate the main shut-off valve to your home and each shut-off valve throughout – label it and make sure everyone in your home knows where they are. Make sure they are all working properly and don’t leak when closed.
- Ensure your water heater is working properly. Have it serviced at least once a year. When the outside temp drops, kick it up a degree or two.
- Ensure your pipes are properly insulated, especially the pipes exposed to exterior walls.
- In extreme cold, it’s okay to trickle water from your faucets to keep water moving and prevent freezing.
- Shovel any snow that collects around water drains.
Let us help you avoid these potential issues and contact Ken’s Sewer Service for your main line and drain line cleanings today! Be proactive and prepared by protecting your home’s plumbing system to prevent serious issues and help maintain the integrity of your drains.
Request all services at:
Kenssewer.com
