During freezing weather such as we have at the moment it is not unusual for waste water drains to freeze up.

If this drain has a water softener outlet running into it (or indeed if your water softener drain is actually frozen itself) then leaks from the drain or the water softener can occur.

With a frozen drain the water that is being flushed away from the softener is not able to escape so finds another way out; this is either back into the water softener cabinet or out via any weakness or joint in the drain line. This can result in leaks or overflowing water softeners.

As such it is best to ensure that all drain lines are clear and free from ice. Where possible prevent any standing water being in the drain by making sure the pipe runs downwards, or run the water softener drain inside if practical.