I am pretty sure my drain pipe is frozen.After inspecting the pipe it doesnt appear to be cracked, but it does have a good sized dip. I tried a torpedo heater for a couple of hours with no sucess. I have several questions. 1. Did I use the torpedo heater long enough? 2. Would heat tape and insulation thaw it out?. 3. We are due for a "warm up" for the next 4 days..36-40 degree highs, would this be enough to thaw it until I can adjust the slope? I would welcome any any guidence that anyone can give me!! Thankyou in advance!

what size drain line are we talking about here, what does it drain?

if there is a dip in the pipe and more water has accumulated upstream of that dip then the whole piope that is exposed to the cold is frozen not just the dip.
warm temperatures may be the only answer.
heat tape may help, antifreeze down the drain may help or even rock salt but it is hard to say anything definite without seeing the pipe..

If you have a bad "dip" or a belly in the the drain line, I would think your best bet is to wait for the warm up, and fire the torpedo heater when the temps are above freezing, and wait.

I would not waste time or money on frostex heater tape or insulation. A properly pitched and supported drain line should never need these.

Once it's thawed, fix the dip, support the pipe, and check for proper slope. Also check that the under pinning enclosure is in good shape with no voids, holes, or open/missing access doors to help keep the cold out.

When I run into this situation, I just cut the pipe out and replace it.

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3 inch pvc....drains tubs toilets and sinks

Run heater, even in this warmer weather until pipes thaw. then repair/replace sagging pipes. 1/4 inch per foot pitch for 2" and smaller-1/8 inch for 3" and above. Wrapping pipes with insulation is acceptable, but unless you have major draft coming under the trailer, don't worry about it. fixing the pitch will stop the freezing. You should be concerned about your water supply lines after this repair. Be sure they're protected!

If your 3" had enough sag alone to cause this, it is in seriously bad condition. The only way I have seen a line freeze up like that is to A) be clogged and full of water or have a leaky faucet or toilet supplying small amounts of water to an extremely cold area where the ice is accumulating and causing a blockage. Since this is 3", I would assess how bad the freezing is by testing the pipe before it enters the ground. If it is hollow, then I would replace the frozen section WHILE IT IS FROZEN so as to not to get covered in the contents. If the pipe isn't hollow going into the ground, it means the whole thing will have to thaw and the drain will then need cleaned, or most of the pipe cut out, and the remainder cleaned.

1/8 inch per foot pitch for 3 inch pipe is not allowed in my area. must be 1/4 inch..

You are a truly brave soul, NC. I hope you have a thermal wet suit to wear when you chop and drop a 3" main drain full of you know what.

Thank You all for your helpful advice! My problem has been solved!! I could go on..but right now I'm going to take a much needed long hot shower!



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Mother Nature, offered the best results... this time.
Best Wishes

I’m having the same exact problem in NH this week. What did you do to cure the problem? Did the warm
Up help? We’re expecting 40s and 50s later this week. Any information would be helpful. Thanks