How to Thaw Frozen Underground Water Pipes
During extreme weather, water pipes can freeze up, trapping ice in the tube which inhibits the flow of fresh water into the plumbing system of a house or building. However, there is no need to panic, as this problem can be quite easily taken care of in a minimum amount of time, and using common household items. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Preparing to Thaw the Pipe
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1
Boil 2 gallons of water.
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2
Either build, find, or purchase two lengths of pipe connected together at a 90-degree angle with an elbow. The diameter of this pipe must be smaller than that of the pipe which is frozen. This is your thaw pipe.
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3
Using a pipe wrench, remove the fitting from the pipe that is frozen.
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4
Place a bucket on the floor beneath the opening to the frozen pipe. You may also want to place towels or other cloths out to catch any excess or errant water.
Thawing the Pipe
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5
Take the thaw pipe constructed in the previous section and insert one end into the frozen pipe. Make sure the other end of the thaw pipe is sticking straight up.
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6
Place the funnel at the top end of the thaw pipe.
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7
Pour boiling water into the thaw pipe.
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8
As the ice inside the pipe melts, push the thaw pipe further into the pipe.
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9
When the flow of water begins, remove the thaw pipe. Do not stop the flow of water until all of the ice is melted and the thaw pipe is out of the pipe.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a small force pump in lieu of a funnel if you like. This can be especially useful for a very long section of frozen pipe.
Hot steam can be used instead of water if it is available.
Rubber tubing can be used instead of an elbow and a second section of pipe, just so long as you have the funnel at a higher level than the frozen pipe, hence giving the hot water a head.
If you do decide to use a pump, make sure you are aware of the pump's pressure, as this can cause a back-up from time to time.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
