When cold weather hits, will main pipelines freeze? Learn the answer here.
Maryland sometimes enjoys a snowy season in winter, and when this happens, homes and businesses alike have to be concerned about clearing their roads and preventing blockages from snow and ice. In very cold and snowy weather, you might wonder, “Can main sewer lines freeze? Can main stormwater systems freeze, too?” Jet Blast Inc. has the answers.
Can a Main Sewer Line Freeze?
The main sewer line collects the wastewater from one or more buildings and channels it toward the nearest wastewater treatment plant. Main sewage lines are buried deep underground, below the frost level. In general conditions, even when it snows, the sewer line should not freeze. It is only in very cold conditions that it is possible for the pipes to freeze. Even so, if they are in use, the wastewater will usually contain enough heat to prevent freezing even if frost reaches that far down.
Can Main Storm Drains Freeze?
Main stormwater lines carry rain, melted ice and snow, and anything else that trickles down the stormwater drain inlets toward either a treatment plant or a natural river, stream, bay, etc. Storm drains can freeze as well, but if they are regularly cleaned, a blockage is less likely. In the worst case, ice can block up the stormwater pipe and cause flooding. However, this scenario is highly unlikely.
Maintaining Main Sewer Lines in Winter
The greater problem is with snow and ice blocking the storm drain inlets. It may be necessary to break up ice if it is blocking off the storm drain, should the drain become necessary. When the snow and ice melt, the drains can have an above average rate of water flowing through it, but it should be designed to handle it.
Homeowners and other property owners shouldn’t have to maintain and inspect sewer lines for stormwater or sewage themselves. It is a job for professionals like Jet Blast Inc., who have the technology and methods to check for damaged pipes and clean out the systems without endangering them or workers’ lives.
Contact Jet Blast Inc. Today!
Jet Blast® Industrial Services strives every day in an effort to provide our customers with the best service and equipment possible. Providing a safe and stable workplace has allowed us to keep a team of quality people, with most having a tenure of 15 – 25 years with Jet Blast®. With all that experience under one roof, we have been able to provide reliable 24-hour service since 1979. I believe this helps to set us apart from the competition.
Compare us! Let us make your job easier. If you’re located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C., contact us by email at [email protected], call us at 410-636-0730, or fax us at 410-789-3907, and don’t forget to keep in touch with us on Facebook!