How To Thaw Frozen Pipes

Racheal Ashley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:22:50 +0000

If a pipe freezes, you first need to shut off the water at the main shutoff valve and open the faucet nearest the frozen pipe so it can drain as it thaws. Waterproof the area with containers as well as plastic drop cloths in case a leak occurs. Use one of the following methods below to gradually warm the frozen pipe. Be sure to start from the unfrozen faucet toward the iced up area. Use extreme caution when using electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or heat lamp when working around water.

Hot Water: The safest of the below methods for thawing frozen pipe is to wrap the pipe with rags and poor boiling water on it.
Heating Pad: Warp the length of the frozen pipe with a heating pad.

Hair Dryer: Used like a torch, a hair dryer will gently defrost the frozen pipe from the outside in.
Heat Lap: For pipes situated behind any walls, floors or ceilings, beam a heat lamp 8 or more inches from the surface of the frozen pipe.

Home Owner Care » frozen pipes

How To Thaw Frozen Pipes