Two easy things that I learned the hard way.
1. Bring an extension cord and a hair dryer. It is an incredibly useful tool for thawing stuff, including the drain valves you mentioned. I learned this by spending two or three hours heating water on the stove, and pouring it from a coffee cup over the frozen lines and valves.
2. After a freezing night, DO NOT pick up or otherwise disturb the slinky drain hose until you are sure it is completely thawed. Any ice in the spirals will instantly penetrate the thin plastic outside, and you will throw the hose away. I learned this by ..., well, you can guess.
Bill
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