A frozen sewer line can have some highly undesirable consequences, such as backup in your home’s plumbing or a burst pipe. Thawing it out is a job for a professional, as doing it improperly could crack or burst your pipe. Learn a few of the ways that these professionals thaw out the lines, so you’ll know what to expect.

How Plumbers Thaw Frozen Septic Plumbing

1. Steamers

Steamers are specialized for thawing pipes. A source of heat—often a propane torch—is placed into the end of a tube connected to a water tank. Once the steam is created, the system sends it down the inside of the line, thawing it from the inside out.

2. Hydrojet Cleaning

When the sewer line freezes, a solid blockage builds up inside the plumbing that stops the flow of waste. High-pressure jetters are machines that send water through the pipes at a high velocity to dislodge the blockage and force it down the line. Hydro excavation completely clears out the line without damaging the plumbing itself.

3. Tank Heaters

A tank heater is used for septic systems that have begun to freeze but are not entirely frozen yet. They can also be used to prevent freezing. The heater fits snugly over the access pipe of the septic tank or the drop box. It constantly creates a safe level of heat, so the pipes warm up and stay that way.

If you suspect that your sewer line has frozen, don’t delay in having it thawed. The team at Chugach Sewer and Drain offers effective thawing services for property owners in the Anchorage, AK, area. This locally owned and operated business is fully licensed and certified, and they offer plumbing, septic pumping, hydro excavation, and rooter services in addition to line thawing. See their full range of services on their website, and call (907) 929-5072 to schedule a service.