What to Do When Your Sewer Line Freezes

Ohio winters can be brutal, and if your home isn’t adequately protected, your sewer line may be one of the first things to suffer. Frozen sewer lines can lead to backups, burst pipes, and property damage.

At CPR – Complete Pipe Repair, we help homeowners in Troy, Dayton, and the Miami Valley respond to frozen pipes quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know if it happens to you.

Signs Your Sewer Line May Be Frozen

• All drains in the house are slow or stopped
• Toilets won’t flush or overflow
• You hear bubbling or gurgling sounds from multiple drains
• A strong sewage smell inside or outside
• It’s been below freezing for several days in a row

If you notice more than one of these symptoms, it’s time to act fast.

What to Do Immediately

1. Stop running water
Avoid using appliances or fixtures that send water into the drain, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and flushing toilets.

2. Check the heat near exposed pipes
If you suspect a freeze near a basement wall, crawlspace, or uninsulated line, safely raise the indoor temperature and add space heaters nearby.

3. Call a professional
Trying to thaw a frozen sewer line yourself can make things worse. Boiling water, torches, and chemicals can damage the pipe and even lead to cracks or breaks.

We recommend scheduling a video inspection to locate the frozen area and determine the safest solution.

How We Fix It

CPR uses advanced tools and thermal thawing techniques to clear frozen lines without tearing up your yard or basement. If we discover a damaged section, we can often solve the issue with trenchless repair or CIPP lining — no excavation needed.

How to Prevent It in the Future

• Insulate exposed pipes and basements
• Keep indoor temps consistent during cold spells
• Run water occasionally during extreme cold
• Consider a mid-winter drain cleaning if your pipes are prone to clogging

Serving Ohio Homes Through Every Season

We’ve helped families in Troy, Greenville, and Piqua deal with freezing temps and frozen lines without significant disruption.

Frozen Line? Don’t Wait

A frozen sewer line won’t thaw itself, and delays often make the damage worse. Contact CPR (937) 703-1811 for expert help before it becomes a flood.