Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 1 to 2 hours
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: Between $5 and $10
During extremely cold winter conditions, the threat of frozen water pipes becomes significant. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, generating pressure that can exceed 2,000 pounds per square inch. This level of pressure is sufficient to cause a rupture in nearly any pipe, as the ice has no space to expand.
A pipe that has frozen can act like a ticking time bomb, as it might not show any signs of leakage—at least until the ice obstructing the pipe starts to melt. If not addressed, the melting ice can lead to significant flooding, resulting in extensive water damage that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, as well as the destruction of walls, ceilings, and floors.
Contents
Reasons for Pipe Freezing
Pipes are at a higher risk of freezing when the temperature falls to 20°F or lower, especially if the freezing conditions persist for several days. Additionally, certain locations make pipes more vulnerable to freezing, including:
- On an exterior wall exposed to frigid outdoor conditions
- Inside a cupboard beneath a sink, particularly close to an exterior wall.
- In a chilly crawl space or cellar without heating
- Close to exterior water spigots (hose bibs) designed for attaching garden hoses.
If you have a frozen pipe that hasn’t burst yet, it’s important to thaw it immediately. There are several methods you can use to thaw the pipe, depending on its location.
Identifying the Ice-Covered Water Pipe
A pipe that is frozen but not yet burst typically shows signs at a faucet. If you turn on the faucet during extremely cold temperatures and either no water flows or it drips slowly, it is likely that ice is obstructing the pipe at some point. Promptly follow the steps outlined below:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the valve that controls the faucet or the main water shutoff valve for the house.
- Turn on the tap: Alleviate the pressure by turning on the tap connected to the frozen pipe.
- Determine the location of the frozen pipe by tracing the pipe from the faucet to the sections that pass through colder areas, like outside walls or unheated crawl spaces.
- Identify the frozen obstruction: Look for sections of the pipe exhibiting frost or icethese areas might also appear slightly swollen or cracked.
The method you use to thaw a pipe will vary based on its location.
Requirements You’ll Need
Devices / Instruments
- Blow-dryer
- Compact heater
- Heat therapy pad
Materials
- Electric heating tape
- Towels
- Baking tray (optional)
Instructions
Methods for Thawing a Frozen Pipe Located Within a Wall
If you discover a frozen pipe hidden within a wall or ceiling that hasn’t yet ruptured, it’s crucial to act quickly to thaw it to avoid potential structural harm to your house.
Increase the Intensity
Increase the temperature in your home and be patient. If you anticipate chilly conditions for several days, maintain the warmth both prior to and throughout the cold spell. It’s preferable to be slightly warm, even if it means a higher heating bill, than to risk frozen pipes within the walls and the expensive repairs that follow.
Unlock Cabinet Doors
If you think the pipe might be located within the wall of a bathroom, the base cabinet of a kitchen sink, or a vanity, be sure to open the cabinet door to allow warmth to circulate to the wall.
Break Through the Barrier
If you suspect that a pipe might burst soon, you should remove a portion of the wall or ceiling to reach the frozen pipe segment, and then proceed to thaw the pipe as you would with a pipe that is already exposed.
Ways to Defrost an Unprotected Frozen Pipe
If you have a frozen pipe that is accessible, such as in a basement that isn’t fully finished or in a garage, you have a few methods to thaw it. Regardless of the approach you choose, it is essential to start heating the pipe from the faucet end and work your way toward the frozen section. This way, as the ice begins to melt, water can flow out.
Warning
Avoid using a blow torch or any open flame to thaw a frozen pipe, as this poses a significant fire risk and may harm the pipe itself.
Use a Hair Dryer
Using a blow-dryer is typically the simplest and safest method to defrost a frozen pipe. If the pipe is situated near a wall, you can position a cookie sheet behind it to assist in transferring heat from the wall to the back of the pipe.
Install a Mobile Heater
A compact yet efficient heater is ideal for thawing pipes located beneath a kitchen sink or within a vanity cabinet. Aim the heater at the frozen area of the pipe, and be sure to monitor the heater’s operation while applying it to the pipe.
Utilize Electric Heating Tape
Heat tape is a flexible strip embedded with electrical heating components and is regulated by a thermostat. Simply encircle the pipe you wish to warm and connect it to a power outlet.
Tip
Heat tape can be installed on pipes throughout the year and activated as necessary to assist in preventing freezing in essential locations.
Utilize a heating pad.
An electric heating pad can serve as an effective method for unfreezing pipes. Simply connect the pad to an outlet and encase the pipe with it, gradually shifting it from the faucet toward the area of the blockage as the ice begins to melt. Alternatively, you can soak towels in hot water and use them in the same manner, ensuring to replace them with fresh, hot towels as they lose heat.
Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipes
Here are several measures you can take to avoid the issue of frozen pipes in the future:
- Let the tap run slowly: Continuous water flow helps maintain the temperature of the pipes just above freezing, reducing the risk of them freezing.
- Keep the heating on: When the forecast indicates temperatures will fall below freezing, maintain your heater at a steady minimum of 55°F, both during the day and at night.
- Leave cabinet doors ajar: Keeping cabinet doors ajar enables warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes within the cabinet. This simple action can often be sufficient to stop kitchen pipes from freezing during the coldest nights.
- Maintain the heat tape: Ensure the affected pipe remains covered with electrical heat tape, and connect it to a power source during particularly frigid weather conditions.
- Wrap pipes with foam insulation to create a protective barrier for those located in unheated areas. This insulation will help to reduce heat loss, although it won’t completely stop a pipe from freezing in extremely cold air.
- Consider installing a fixed heating solution, like a baseboard heater, to ensure that spaces containing pipes remain above freezing temperatures. Avoid using portable heaters for this task, as they should not be left unsupervised.
- Safeguard exterior faucets: Detach any garden hoses connected to outdoor faucets. If the faucet isn’t designed to withstand freezing temperatures, prepare the pipes for winter by shutting off the water supply to the faucet from inside the house, draining the outdoor portion of the pipe and faucet, and using faucet covers to shield the exposed faucets.
- Inspect for leaks: Ensure that there are no leaks present in or around your plumbing. Examine the pipes for any fractures or connections that may require replacement, and verify that there are no air leaks in the surrounding areas.
- Close any gaps: If you discover any air leaks, use caulk to seal them and stop cold air from coming in.
- Contact a plumbing professional: Scheduling regular inspections of your plumbing system can assist in detecting leaks and preventing water from freezing in your pipes. A plumbing expert can also help you find and seal any air leaks, add insulation to your current pipes, or upgrade them to more durable, frost-resistant options.
Do frozen pipes melt by themselves?
Indeed, frozen pipes will eventually warm up and return to normal, but letting this happen naturally can lead to them bursting. Therefore, it’s crucial to take action and thaw a frozen pipe on your own.
What is the duration required for frozen pipes to thaw?
Slowly thawing a frozen pipe using a blow dryer, a portable heater, heat tape, warm towels, or a heating pad usually requires about 30 minutes to an hour.
What methods do plumbers use to thaw frozen pipes?
When you reach out to a plumber, they will employ a heat gun to safely and effectively thaw the frozen pipes in your house.
