My water pipes froze but didn’t burst. Can they be thawed?
Here are a few ways to to thaw frozen water pipes:
Find the frozen pipe: Before you can thaw a frozen pipe, you need to locate it. Look for pipes that run along exterior walls, in attics, and in crawl spaces, as these are the areas most susceptible to freezing. If you’re unable to locate the frozen pipe, call a plumber.
Turn off the water supply: Before you begin thawing the pipe, turn off the water supply to the affected area. This will prevent water from escaping and causing damage once the pipe thaws.
Use a hair dryer: The most common method for thawing frozen pipes is to use a hair dryer. Start by turning the hair dryer on to its highest setting and pointing it at the frozen section of the pipe. Work your way along the pipe, heating the entire frozen section.
Use a heating pad: If you don’t have a hair dryer, you can use a heating pad to thaw the frozen pipe. Place the heating pad around the frozen pipe and turn it on to its highest setting.
Use a hot towel: If you don’t have a hair dryer or heating pad, you can use a hot towel to thaw the frozen pipe. Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around the frozen pipe. Repeat the process with a new towel as the previous one cools down.
Use a pipe heating cable: A pipe heating cable is a device that wraps around the pipe and applies heat. This is a more permanent solution to prevent freezing pipes, but it can also be used to thaw frozen pipes.
It’s important to note that if a pipe has burst, it’s crucial to turn off the main water valve to the house, and call a plumber as soon as possible. Also, if the pipe is located in a hard to reach area or if you’re unable to thaw it properly, or if the pipe has burst, it’s best to call a plumber.
