Are you worried about frozen pipes? Don’t panic! There are safe and simple ways to thaw them out and get water flowing again before bigger problems arise. All you need to do is open a faucet to let the water flow through the pipes and apply heat to thaw the ice.
With some basic household items and a little patience, our step-by-step instructions will walk you through how to unfreeze pipes in your house.
Quick and Easy Steps on How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Open the Faucet
Start by opening the faucet connected to the frozen pipe, ideally turning the hot and cold taps on or setting a single-handled faucet slightly more to the warm side. Opening the faucet helps relieve pressure and allows the water to flow as the ice melts.
Apply Heat
Use a safe heating source like a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater to direct heat toward the frozen section. Gradually move the heat along the pipe to avoid heating one spot too quickly, which could cause the pipe to burst, split, or crack.
Work Toward the Coldest Area
Begin heating the pipe near the faucet and working toward the colder, frozen section. Moving in this direction helps prevent pressure buildup by allowing the thawed water to flow out of the faucet.
Keep the Space Warm
Whether the frozen pipe is in an unheated area like your garage or crawl space, easily accessible under a sink, or buried in a wall where you can’t access it, consider warming the surrounding area with a space heater or turning up the thermostat. Increasing ambient temperature will help thaw the sections you aren’t directly heating.
Important Tips for Unfreezing Pipes
- Do not use an open flame as a heat source. Never use a blow torch, butane torch, or flame thrower to thaw frozen pipes. These items can heat the pipe too quickly, causing it to crack or burst. In the case of PVC or PEX, it can melt. They can also ignite flammable materials, creating a serious fire hazard.
- Work slowly. It’s instinctive to crank the heat and try to unfreeze your pipes as quickly as possible, but in this case, it’s best to go slowly. Heating the pipes too fast can cause warping, cracking, or other expensive damage.
FAQs About How to Unfreeze Pipes in Your House
Will frozen pipes unfreeze on their own?
Yes, frozen pipes will unfreeze once the temperatures warm again. However, due to pressure and ice expansion, the longer they are frozen, the more likely they are to burst. When you determine your pipes are frozen, unthaw them immediately.
Can you flush the toilet if your pipes are frozen?
Yes and no. You can clear it once using the water stored in the tank, but you won’t be able to use the handle to flush it a second time. To flush it once the tank is emptied, while the pipes are frozen, you can pour water into the bowl. That is if you have access to water anywhere in the house.
Can pipes freeze in one night?
Yes, pipes can freeze overnight, depending on their location and the temperature. Once the thermometer drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes can freeze in about six hours. Well-insulated plumbing may take longer.
How can you keep your pipes from freezing?
Winterizing your pipes is the best way to keep them from freezing, But in the event you don’t get them winterized, there are other ways to keep pipes from freezing. This includes maintaining a consistent indoor temperature by keeping the thermostat on, even if you’re away, and consider a smart thermostat to manage temperatures remotely. Let a faucet drip slowly in vulnerable areas, as moving water is less likely to freeze.
Additionally, insulate pipes in unheated areas or use pipe heating cables to provide extra warmth during cold spells, which can protect them from freezing temperatures.
Thaw With Care: Keep Your Water Flowing Smoothly
Unfreezing pipes safely and efficiently is vital to protecting your home from water damage and costly repair bills. Identify the frozen section and then use the thawing methods mentioned to get the water flowing again. With the right approach — and perhaps some preventative measures — you can confidently handle frozen pipes and keep your plumbing and home safe through the winter months!
Main Image Credit: Paylessimages / Adobe Stock Free / License
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