Frozen Drains < PRO >

: During extreme cold snaps, a steady drip from both hot and cold taps can keep water moving and prevent freezing.

: If the drain is only partially blocked, pouring hot (not boiling) water down the drain can help melt the ice. frozen drains

This is a leading cause of house fires in winter and can damage plastic pipes instantly. : During extreme cold snaps, a steady drip

But the true essay lies in the aftermath. Once the drain runs free, we do not reinforce it. We do not rip open the wall to add heat tape or re-route the pipe. No, we turn on the dishwasher, pour a cup of coffee, and promise to deal with it next summer. This is the human condition of maintenance: we only fight the war during the battle, never during the peace. The frozen drain is a seasonal amnesia. We forget the sound of the backup until we hear it again twelve months later. But the true essay lies in the aftermath

Frozen drains are a common winter problem caused by standing water in traps or pipes exposed to sub-freezing temperatures. Unlike pressurized water supply pipes, which typically stop flowing entirely when frozen, drains often show more subtle signs like sluggishness or gurgling before a total blockage occurs.

If you suspect a freeze, stop running water immediately to avoid an overflow. Use these methods to gradually melt the ice: