How to Unthaw Frozen Water Pipes
Freezing cold temperatures can be damaging to your piping. The water that sits in your pipes will expand as it freezes from the cold, and this puts stress on your pipe. Excessive stress can cause cracking, which in turn causes leaks. Catching frozen piping as early as possible is a vital step in preventing damage from occurring. You must thaw out your pipes as quickly as you can to keep the water from freezing and expanding even further. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Infrared thermometer
- Hair dryer
- Heat lamp or portable heater
- Hot, wet rags
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn on all faucets. This will allow you to determine the general area of the frozen pipe, and it will also provide an escape route for the water once it starts to melt.
-
2
Use the infrared thermometer to detect the exact section of piping that is frozen, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
-
3
Use the hair dryer to apply heat to the frozen pipe. Use side to side motions to avoid thawing the pipe too quickly.
-
4
Allow the water to run from the faucet for a few minutes to ensure that the pipe is thawed and all the ice pieces are flushed. As the pipe begins to thaw, the amount of water that comes through the faucet will increase.
-
5
Turn off the faucets, and check the pipe for leaks, repairing damage if necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you do not have access to a hair dryer or the proper protective plug, you can use wet rags with hot water at about 110 degrees Fahrenheit to wrap the frozen pipe. Switch your rags as they start to cool down.
For frozen piping that isn't accessed easily, like inside wall pipes, you can use a heat lamp or portable heater to slowly thaw out these pipes.
Avoid accidental electrocution by ensuring your ground is dry outside and that your hair dryer is plugged into a protective outlet.
To avoid a fire hazard, keep the heat lamp or portable heater at least 18 inches away from any surface.
