How to Unthaw Water Pipes

The winter months can be filled with holiday fun, snow fights and skiing adventures. Unfortunately, the colder temperatures can also result in frozen water pipes. Frozen water inside of pipes will begin to expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst. Any pipes that have split or become damaged or cannot be located or easily accessed should be mended by a plumber. Pipes that are intact can be unthawed at home to get the water flowing once again.

Things You'll Need

• Hot towel
• Heating pad or small space heater

Instructions

1. Examine the frozen pipes for any cracks or broken areas. Any damaged pipes should be mended by a professional.

2. Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. The open faucet will allow any water that is beginning to flow through the frozen sections to move more easily.

3. Place a heat source near or around the pipe. This could come in the form of a hot towel or heating pad wrapped around the pipe or by setting up a small space heater near the pipe. Avoid using a blowtorch to unthaw the pipe. The excessive heat emitted by the blowtorch can cause the water inside of the pipe to boil and cause the pipe to burst.

4. Continue to apply heat until the pipe is completely unthawed.

5. Examine any additional readily accessible pipes in the home to determine if they are frozen. One frozen pipe could be a sign that several others require attention.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent frozen water pipes by insulating the pipes with a pipe sleeve or heat tape.

• Prevent frozen water pipes by allowed cold water to drip from all of the faucets in the home. Even the smallest movement of water can help prevent the pipes from freezing.

References

• American Red Cross: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
• My Great Home: Frozen Pipes