We have recently had bitter cold temperatures in the Midwest. The toilet and sink will not flush or drain. I've tried using a plunger, no dice. Could the drains be frozen? Water works fine. What do you think is up?

We live on the north shore of Lake Ontario and have had for the last week, temps -25c. Pretty cold. My basement isn't heated, a l940s bungalow but have never had a problem in our really cold winter with pipes freezing. You can't be any colder then here, and your basement is probably heated, so unless why ou have been away and turned everything down, I don't think its because of pipes freezing. Spend the money and call a plumber and be on the safe side.

I know that isn't the answer you are looking for but just my own opinion. I hope it doesn't offend you.

There is most likley a clog. The only water that might freeze in a drain system would be in the traps, and since your sink and toilet traps should be in a heated location then I don't think they would be frozen. The sink trap is under the sink and the toilet trap... is the toilet itself. (thats why there is water in the bowl)

If you are comfortable with it, you might try a small snake, remove the toilet and try snaking out the line.

If all the other drains in the house work, then I don't think the problem will be to severe.

If you are having slow drain, then could be a stopped up sewer vent on the roof. Maybe snow? Wouldn't know, don't get snow down here anymore.