How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Introduction

Hot and cold water is delivered to the different sinks, bathrooms, tubs, and devices that are connected via pipes across the home, condominium, or apartment complex.

In cold weather, pipes can freeze if the temperature drops below 32°F, causing ice to block the flow of water. It can lead to reduced water pressure or a complete blockage. Additionally, the expansion of frozen water can damage the pipes and cause leaks or floods. To prevent this, use the following methods to protect your pipes and restore water flow.

Determining the Frozen Spot Inside the Pipe:

Check the Faucets

Locate the dysfunctional faucets.

Turn on the faucets: This will determine whether the problem is confined to a certain section of the house or impacts the entire space.

If there's no water, assume that the problem is with the pipes in the outer walls

The most common place for pipes to become frozen is around pipelines situated outside since they are ultimately prone to direct atmospheric cold.

Be sure to check:

Pipes located in or close to basements or rooftops.
Pipes close to cold concrete.
Outside valves.
Pipes near cold air vents.

Look for Leakage and Cracks

Due to the shift in pressure caused by freezing water, pipes may break longitudinally or develop fractures in their joints. If you discover an ongoing leak, you've found the frozen-and regrettably, broken-pipe.

By Feeling and Tapping the Pipe

Find through the following methods:

To find regions that are noticeably colder than other sections of the pipe, use
- Infrared thermometer
- Your palm to feel the temperature of the pipe.
When you tap the pipe using a screwdriver handle or another item, you should hear a less "hollow" and more substantial sound.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipe

After locating the frozen pipe, it has to be gently thawed over 30 to 60 minutes.

Methods that need to be avoided

Don't thaw pipes over an open flame.

The entire house is at risk from the flame
also harms nearby materials
water lines made of plastic will also melt in a fire.

Instead, discover how to defrost frozen pipes by following these instructions.

Apparatus

Plasterboard blade
Saw that reciprocates
Hair dryer
Warm-up tape
Warming pad
Towel
Dehumidifier
Insulation for pipes

Open the Faucets

Please navigate to the closest impacted faucet and open it.
To keep the pipe from getting entirely frozen, there should be sufficient water flowing across the tap, even in tiny amounts.
As the enormous force develops between the tap and the ice blockage during freezing. This force buildup can be released by an open faucet, which avoids the breakage of the pipe.

Locate the Pipe

The frozen pipe may occasionally be hidden in:

wall
Ceiling
Floor

You must first make a hole in the plasterboard or ceiling to enable accessibility so that you're able to defrost out the pipe.
Once an opening has been made, you may either use one of the techniques above to defrost the exposed pipeline or aim the heater's warm air toward the frozen pipe.
It can additionally enable you to thaw the pipe directly, and important as well to determine the cause of the pipe's freezing.

Whenever pipelines are not covered with insulation or are located in a particularly cold section of the house, such as an unheated basement, storage space, or crawlspace, they are more likely to freeze. After the pipe is exposed, you may thaw it out and add heat tape or insulation that prevents the pipeline from freezing again.

Provide Some Heat to the Freezing Region

You must gently apply heat to the damaged region to defrost a pipe without harming it. You can try a space heater, heat tape, or a hair dryer, among other techniques.

Hairdryer: Warm up the pipe length progressively with a hairdryer. To avoid concentrating too much heat in one spot, which might lead to a pipe fracture. Ensure the hairdryer is moved up and down the pipe. This approach can be successful but requires time and work.
Space Heater: Placing a space heater next to the frozen pipe can aid in its thawing; however, it is important to use moderate, warm heat rather than intense, direct heat. A heater may be useful when you have a pipe in a smaller, readily heated, enclosed location. Be careful to follow all of the heater's safety recommendations and keep a close watch on the procedure.
Heat Tape
The purpose of electrically driven heat tape, also known as heat cable, is to provide minimal warmth continuously by wrapping it over frozen pipes. If you have a lengthy stretch of frozen pipe, heat tape is helpful. It is additionally useful as a prophylactic for frozen pipes.
Thermostat
Warming the home as a whole could help with moderately frozen pipes; however, it's a less drastic approach. Maintain the room where the frozen pipe warmer is located, and remove any cabinets or doors to allow warm air to reach the pipe.

Heat the water continuously before the pressure in the water recovers its normal capacity. However, after the water line has frozen, it's beneficial to keep the faucet running for some time. It will allow the ice to go far enough away from the queue.

Look out for any Leakages

The expansion of icy water inside the pipeline may lead to damage to the pipe. Minor leaks may go undetected if you neglect to take a moment to check for them, but larger leaks are easily detected since water will be pouring into your home.

Remember that because ice has formed on the pipe's outside, the pipes can already be damp. Use a rag, cloth, or paper towel to wipe down the pipe and check for leaks or other damage once the water line has thawed.

Quickly Defrost the Pipe by Wrapping it in Heated Cloths

Put some towels in a hot water soak and put on rubber gloves. After wringing them out, carefully wrap the pipe's frozen part with them. Every five to ten minutes, or until the pipe thaws, replace it with newly saturated, heated towels. To prevent freezing and sticking, avoid placing damp towels near the pipes.

Call the Plumber

In case a damaged pipeline is found, cut off the water at the house's main shut-off valve and call a plumber to fix any leaks or replace any burst pipes. To stop water-related harm and the growth of mold and dampness, wipe any water as quickly as possible using towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum.

To aid in the drying process, fans and a dehumidifier can be placed in the area to help drain water from impacted surfaces. Furniture and other goods damaged by water may need to be disposed of, depending on how severe the flood was.

Time Taken to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

It will usually take half an hour to defrost frozen pipes using any of the few available ways. Many factors, including the location of the pipe, the duration of time that has remained frozen, plus the season, can change. The thawing method may take longer if one or more of these conditions are met.

Avoiding Water from Getting Frozen in the Waterline

Consider these strategies to keep pipes warm to avoid freezing them in the future:

Insulate any exposed pipework.
In the winter, maintain a greater temperature in your house.
Improve the insulation in your ceiling and walls.

Conclusion

It may be tempting to attempt to thaw frozen pipes in your house as soon as possible, but doing so might lead to their break. Instead, gently warm the pipes with appliances like a space heater, hairdryer, and even your home's thermostat. Call a plumber for further assistance if you think the task is too huge for you to undertake or if your pipes have burst.