Prevent Frozen Sump Pump Pipes This Winter

Posted by

In the Fargo, North Dakota metro, most homes are equipped with a drain tile system and sump pump, which work together to keep basements and crawlspaces dry. These systems serve as the primary defense against moisture buildup around the foundation, ensuring your home stays dry even during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

How Drain Tile and Sump Pumps Work

Drain tile typically consists of a perforated pipe installed around the foundation (Fig. 1). Its job is to channel water that accumulates next to and beneath the foundation into the sump pump pit. From there, the sump pump moves the water out of the basement through a pipe that runs either above or below grade.

The Benefits of a Diverter Valve

Many newer homes feature a diverter valve (Fig. 2), allowing you to direct sump pump discharge either to the sewer system or outside the home. This added feature is especially useful in colder climates, as it can prevent the discharge pipe from freezing, which might otherwise lead to pump failure and potentially a flooded basement.

Discharging Through the Exterior Wall

For homes without the option to discharge water to the sewer system, sump pump water is typically discharged through an exterior wall during the winter months (Fig. 3). However, it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid pipe freezing, which can lead to serious issues. To prevent the discharge hose from freezing (Fig. 4), disconnect it before the winter sets in. If the hose freezes and water continues to flow into the sump pump pit, the pump will keep running without being able to expel the water, potentially causing it to burn out and leaving your basement vulnerable to flooding (Fig. 5).

Winterizing the Discharge Pipe

In preparation for the winter season, we recommend installing a larger pipe—such as a 3” PVC pipe—over the existing discharge pipe (Fig. 6). This added layer of protection helps prevent freezing while still allowing water to be directed away from the foundation.

In our opinion, this method offers the best solution for sump pump discharge during the winter unless you have the option to send the water to the sewer system.

A corrugated drainage pipe leads to a circular cover in a partially constructed concrete area, surrounded by gravel and unfinished walls.
Fig. 1 Drain tile positioned next to the footing, awaiting connection to the sump pit.
Two white PVC valves labeled "Winter" and "Summer" are attached to a pipe. The setup is located indoors and includes surrounding insulation material and a green tag.
Fig. 2 A diverter valve gives you the option to discharge water either into the sewer system or through the exterior wall.

For more winterization tips, check out the edition Lars Knows Winterization and other Lars Knows editions to learn how you can better protect your home and protect your investment.

Fig. 3 If you’re discharging water through your exterior wall during the winter months, be sure to disconnect the flexible hose to prevent it from freezing.
Fig. 4 Leaving the flexible hose attached increases the risk of freezing, which can block the sump pump from discharging water and often leads to pump failure.
Fig. 5 When the exterior pipe freezes, the sump pump will run continuously without being able to expel water from the pit. Over time, the pump will overheat and burn out, while the water in the pit may evaporate due to the rising water temperature.
Fig.6 We recommend installing a larger pipe, such as a 3″ PVC pipe, over the pipe mounted on the wall. The larger pipe is less likely to freeze while still allowing water to be discharged away from the foundation.

Back to Blog