So, what should you do when you wake up to find a water pipe completely frozen solid? If you notice frost, condensation, or persistent plumbing problems in colder weather, it may be time to thaw your pipes. Here's how to warm them up easily and safely - without causing any harm to your system along the way!

Start a Pipe Thaw From the Faucet Backwards

Always start a pipe thaw from the faucet, then work backwards towards the frozen pipe. Starting in the middle of your system can build too much pressure and threaten to burst your pipe. The best ways to get started? First, open your faucet to allow steam to escape during the process. Then, start your thaw by using:

• Hot water: The most popular and most safe way to thaw out a frozen pipe is to use hot water.  Begin by wrapping and securing heavy towels or burlap bags around the pipe to concentrate your heating efforts to one area. Place a bucket below the towel to collect run off water. Then, gradually pour hot/boiling water over the towel to gently warm the pipe.
• Propane torch with a flame-spreader nozzle: While this process is less messy than hot water, it is much more dangerous; you will have to be extremely careful to avoid damaging the wall behind the pipe (for safety, consider placing a scrap of fireproof material between the pipe and the wall). Once you've taken your precautions, thaw the pipe by moving the flame back and forth along the pipe; leave some distance and take care to never rest in one area for too long. Take particular care near smoldered pipe joints - pass over them VERY quickly to avoid them melting and causing a leak. One last safety note: NEVER use a torch on plastic piping! Excess heat can easily warp or damage plastic. 
• Dry heat lamp or hair dryer: These devices work as safer equivalents to the propane torch, but they do work much less quickly. Follow the same procedures as above - just be prepared to be a little more patient. In the long run, your safety is worth it!

The best way to stop a frozen pipe? Avoid one in the first place by taking simple precautions, including leaving your cabinet doors open, using a space heater, and maintaining a steady drip. 

Need to Thaw a Frozen Drainpipe?

Thaw a frozen drainpipe by removing the trap and then inserting a length of garden hose into the pipe.  Once the hose stops moving, it has probably run into the ice. You can then raise the other end of the hose and funnel in hot water to the area. Do this procedure with care. Note that that the hot water you pour will come back up to you until the ice melts. Use a bucket to catch overflow, and take precautions to protect your hands and arms from any scalding.

Before the deep freeze hits, take care to wrap and protect your outdoor plumbing! A little work early in the season could save you a lot of trouble down the line.

Have Any Questions? Call a Plumber! 

If you have any doubts or hesitations, it's much better to contact a professional than to attempt to thaw a pipe and end up with a bigger problem, like a burst pipe, on your hands!

Need a plumber's help with a frozen pipe?  Not sure what's wrong with your plumbing?  That's where Combat Plumbing comes in! Send us an email or give us a call and we'll be out to help!