How Do You Know If Your Pipes Are Frozen?
The biggest sign that your pipes are frozen is that you have no water or very little pressure. If you have very little pressure, keep your tap open. If there is a little water getting through, this will help to thaw the line and restore flow.
How Can a Homeowner Best Thaw Exposed Pipes?
Where the pipe is located will determine the plan of action to thaw a pipe.
Open the tap
Step one is to open the tap that is connected to the frozen line. If it starts to trickle, let it keep going. That is a sign it is starting to thaw.
If only one area in the home has a frozen pipe, running water in all other areas of the home may be enough to thaw it out. Moving water can help thaw ice faster than stagnant water. Moving water also creates water pressure to help the melting process.
Radiant heat from a warm hot water pipe is another way to help thaw a frozen pipe. For example, running hot water through a hot water line or near a frozen water line could help radiate heat towards the frozen pipe.
Seal the Cold Source of Air
Find out why the pipe is freezing. Often pipes freeze because of a cold draft from the outside winter air. Find the source of the colder air and plug it off. In a short amount of time, the water temperature will be restored.
Recommended Ways to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Portable Heater
This can be really effective in large spaces where you can get access to the frozen pipe. Be mindful that water and electricity are a bad combination. Also ensure that as the water thaws, it doesn’t drip onto the heater.
Hair Dryer
A hair dryer can be an effective and safe way to thaw a frozen pipe, especially if the pipe is inside in an area where the heat would be sufficient. If the pipe is outside or behind a wall, it may not provide enough heat.
Electric Heat Tape
If the frozen pipe is exposed to the elements, heat tape is the way to go. Heat tape is often ideal for mobile homes, crawl spaces, outdoor plumbing, or older homes with drafty walls. Electric heat tape isn’t ideal for damaged or leaking pipes, plastic pipes not rated for heat tape (consult a plumber), or pipes inside walls or ceilings.
Why Not Use an Open Flame to Thaw Frozen Pipes?
Three reasons to avoid open flames:
It’s a fire hazard.
Heating a frozen pipe too quickly can increase the chances of it bursting.
If the pipe is not metal, you can permanently damage it, which may require replacement.
How Can I Thaw Pipes in the Wall or Ceiling?
When pipes freeze in the walls or ceiling, address why they are freezing.
Some common causes include:
Pipes touching a freezing outer wall.
An opening outside allowing a cold draft in.
Typically, warm air circulation is the quickest way to thaw out a pipe.
What If the Frozen Pipe Is Inside a Wall?
You may have to cut into the wall or ceiling to blow air into the area with the frozen pipe. Cutting into the wall will also allow you to discover the extent of the problem.
If a Pipe Bursts, What Steps Should a Homeowner Take?
If a frozen pipe bursts in your home, take the following steps:
Shut off the main water valve to stop the water.
Clean up leaked water as quickly as possible to minimize damage.
Find out why the pipe froze.
Fix the issue to prevent it from happening again (including adding insulation if needed).
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
The biggest factor in preventing freezing is eliminating cold air drafts near pipes.
Ensure pipes are not exposed to the elements and are kept above freezing temperatures at all times.
When Should I Call a Plumber?
Now is a good time.
If you have a frozen pipe, it is very likely that the pipe is damaged. Because water expands when it freezes, pipes can expand and crack.
In most cases, this can be resolved by thawing the pipes and replacing the damaged section.
A plumber can assess the extent of the damage and identify other potential problem areas.