A big winter storm is on the way. You’ve stocked up on groceries, charged your phone, and found the flashlight batteries. Good.
Now take five minutes to think about something less exciting, but way more annoying if it goes wrong: your drains and sewer line.
Cold weather doesn’t just freeze water supply pipes. Drain lines can freeze too, especially if water is sitting where it shouldn’t be. And once a drain starts freezing, things can get messy fast.
If you have a slow drain, gurgling sounds, or a backup that “sort of fixes itself,” this is your sign to deal with it before temperatures drop.
What Causes Drain and Sewer Pipes to Freeze?
Frozen drain pipes usually happen when two things team up: cold air and trapped water.
Drain lines are supposed to move wastewater out of your building. But when a line is partially blocked, water can sit in low spots. Then the temperature drops. That water freezes, expands, and can turn a small problem into a bigger one.
Common reasons drains freeze include:
- Poor insulation on exposed drain piping
- Pipes running through unheated spaces like basements, crawlspaces, attics, garages, or exterior walls
- A slow drain or partial clog that leaves standing water in the line
- Grease buildup that narrows the pipe and traps more water
- A sewer line issue that causes wastewater to back up
If you’ve ever heard bubbling or gurgling when water drains, that’s often a sign airflow is struggling in the system. That can happen with buildup, blockages, or venting issues. None of those improve during a deep freeze.
Do You Really Need to “Winterize” Wastewater Pipes?
Let’s clear something up. Drain lines are not supposed to hold water the way supply lines do.
So winter prep for drains is less about “removing all the water” and more about making sure water isn’t getting trapped in the first place.
The goal is simple. Keep things flowing, keep pipes protected from cold air, and fix small drain problems before they turn into a frozen mess.
Winter Storm Drain Checklist (For Homes and Businesses)
1. Watch for slow drains and gurgling sounds
This is the biggest red flag. If your sink takes forever to drain, your floor drain smells funky, or your toilet bubbles when the shower runs, you could have a partial clog.
A partial clog is perfect for freezing. It slows the water down, then lets it sit.
2. Keep unheated areas warmer than you think they need to be
If you have drain piping in the basement, garage, or utility room, keep the heat on. Even a small temperature drop in those spaces can freeze a section of pipe.
This matters for businesses too. If a storage room, back hallway, or unused bathroom has little or no heat, the drains can freeze there first.
3. Check for dripping faucets and running toilets
A running toilet or steady drip is not just annoying. It constantly adds water into the drain system. If the drain line is slow or partially blocked, that water can build up.
If it’s cold enough, it can also freeze where the line is exposed.
4. Do not ignore outdoor drains and roof drains
If you have outdoor drains, downspouts, or roof drains, make sure they’re clear. Leaves and debris can create clogs that lead to overflow, ice buildup, and water where you don’t want it.
If you manage a commercial property, this one matters even more. A blocked drain outside can create slippery walkways and water intrusion inside.
5. Be careful with grease and food waste
Cold weather makes grease harder. If you pour grease down a drain, it can stick to the pipe walls and build up fast. Over time, that buildup narrows the line and traps more debris.
Restaurants and commercial kitchens should be extra cautious. Grease buildup is one of the fastest ways to turn a storm week into a drain emergency week.
6. If you have a known drain issue, get it inspected now
This is the simplest way to prevent surprises.
A drain camera inspection lets you see what’s happening inside the pipe. It can find grease buildup, sludge, roots, cracks, or an obstruction before it turns into standing water and ice.
If everything looks good, great. You move into the storm with one less thing to worry about.
If something is building up, you can handle it before it freezes.
What Happens If a Drain Pipe Freezes?
Frozen drain lines are not subtle. You might notice:
- A sink that drains slower and slower, then stops
- A toilet that bubbles or rises
- Water backing up into tubs, showers, or floor drains
- Bad smells coming from drains
- Water where it definitely doesn’t belong, like on the floor
If it freezes hard enough, the pressure from expanding ice can also damage piping. That leads to leaks, cracks, and repairs nobody wants in the middle of winter.
Why Zoom Drain Is Built for This
Drain and sewer work is all we do.
We show up with the tools that actually solve problems like these, not just “take a look.”
That includes professional drain camera inspections, high-powered water jetting for heavy buildup, and the equipment needed to clear and restore flow safely.
Whether you’re a homeowner trying to avoid a backup, or a business that can’t afford downtime, the goal is the same.
Keep water moving. Keep the line clear. Don’t wait until water is on the floor.
Schedule a drain inspection today. Get Your Life Flowing Today!®
