If your pond pump stops and the plumbing freezes, do not restart the pump until the plumbing has completely thawed and you have checked for damage.
What to do
- Unplug the pump.
- Do not run the pump against frozen or blocked plumbing.
- Keep the pond aerated.
- Run a pond aerator to provide oxygen and gas exchange for the koi.
- Keep the diffuser higher in the water column rather than at the deepest part of the pond.
- Maintain an opening in the ice.
- Use aeration or a pond de-icer.
- Do not strike or break the ice forcefully.
- Let the plumbing thaw completely.
- Do not restart the system if any part of the pipe is still frozen.
- Inspect the system before restarting.
- Check pipe, fittings, valves, filters, and connections for cracks or leaks caused by freezing.
- Restart only when water can flow freely.
- Watch the plumbing and waterfall closely for leaks or abnormal water loss.
If the plumbing cannot be safely restarted, leave the main pump off and continue using aeration and a pond de-icer as needed until the system can be thawed and inspected.
Important: Never operate a pond pump when frozen plumbing is blocking normal water flow.