HOME CLINIC; To Thaw Plumbing Pipes (Published 1992) (2024)

FAQs

What do plumbers use to unfreeze pipes? ›

If the pipes are frozen but have not burst, a plumber can remedy them by applying a heat gun to thaw them. For an interim solution, a homeowner could use a hair dryer to start the thawing process. A plumber's main role and concern in this situation is to identify and fix the problem that caused the pipes to freeze.

Heat Gun. A heat gun can quickly thaw out frozen pipes so long as it's used carefully. A heat gun is a tool that emits heat at up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can imagine, that will melt ice very quickly.

Never pour hot water on frozen plumbing or try to thaw pipes with a blowtorch. The hot water usually freezes on the outside of the pipe, and the torch can cause frozen pipes to explode if steam is produced. Also, do not strike pipes in an attempt to break up the ice, as hammer blows can cause pipes to crack.

If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices: Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. Most times, this is a better idea if you don't think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don't know where the frozen pipes are or you can't access the frozen area.

And once the temperature outside dips below 32F, unprotected pipes are at a greater risk of freezing and potentially bursting. That said, it's still possible for your pipes to thaw without bursting. The key is to release the pressure and allow the pipes to thaw slowly.

Don't ever try to thaw pipes with a: Blowtorch.

If the pipe is behind a wall, you can turn up the thermostat and wait for the thaw. Or you can hook up a lamp to warm the area. Infrared lights work best because they don't warm the air, just the pipes behind the wall. If the pipe is exposed, you can heat it with a hairdryer.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.

Frozen pipes will not unthaw unless the outside temperature rises above freezing for multiple hours – even up to six hours in total. Additionally, the melted water can simply freeze over again and cause further damage to the pipes, resulting in costly repairs. Pipes can also burst when they freeze or after they thaw.

Your pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but this will take at least a few hours or potentially several days, depending on where the pipe is located and the air temperature around it.

Does PVC pipe break when it freezes? ›

While metal pipes may rupture and burst when frozen, PVC pipes are brittle and are more prone to cracking and splitting due to their inability to properly contract and expand in response to cold temperatures. If there is water in your PVC pipes when they start to freeze, pressure may build up with no way to escape.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.