How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

It’s not the frozen pipes that really gets our phones ringing, It’s the thawing pipes that leak and spew water after a hard freeze.

Before you do anything, shut off the water supply to that section of plumbing (or the entire house if that’s the only option) because the real trouble begins after the thaw.  That's because frozen water may be acting as a plug, preventing water from spilling out of the cracks in your pipes. When that plug is eventually thawed, water gushes out. Make sure to be ready with a mop, bucket, and towels in case there’s a plumbing leak. It’s not the frozen pipes that really get plumber's phones ringing, It’s the thawing pipes that leak and spew water after a hard freeze.

Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape (from $50 to $200, depending on length) is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot.

Never thaw pipes using a propane torch, which presents a fire risk.

If disaster does happens SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties is standing by to respond 24/7 to the Greater Mid Ohio Valley region.  304-428-7378.