Malfunctioning thermostat, faulty taping and inadequate insulation are some of the major reasons why water freezes in your home pipes. Things can get even more complicated when water ruptures the pipes, which leads to considerable damage. You’re lucky if the frozen pipes installed in your home or office are still not damaged.
Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during an extremely cold winter in Edmonton. When water freezes, it expands and it can exert extreme pressure per square inch. The pressure created by frozen water can easily rupture home plumbing pipes. Places, where pipes are more likely to freeze include outside walls, cabinet under sinks, and unheated points.
It’s important that you do something immediately to thaw frozen water pipes. Using the right technique to thaw frozen pipes is absolutely essential, depending on where the frozen pipe is located. Here are some effective techniques that will help you get the water flowing again.
Locate the frozen pipe
If the frozen part is under sinks or in the basement, you may be able to track down the frozen portion of the pipe. Frozen pipes often have a slight bulge or frost on them. If you can easily access the frozen part of a pipe, you will have more freedom to easily thaw the pipe.
Turn on the faucet
Before you apply any technique to thaw frozen pipes, don’t forget to open the faucet, both cold and hot handles, where the pipe feeds water into. It will help the pressure and water to escape once you start to thaw the pipe.
Work your way down to the blockage
Once the frozen part of the pipe is located, start the thawing process near the faucet and work your way down to obstructions. It will make it easy for melting ice to escape through the faucet. In other words, starting the thawing process near the blockage would make it difficult for melting ice to pass through the blockage. Starting the thawing process from a wrong point may increase the pressure inside the pipes.
How to thaw frozen pipes
If the frozen pipe is located somewhere you can easily access, you can try several methods. Here are your options:
- Wrapping towels dipped in hot water around the frozen pipes can slowly melt down the obstruction.
- Place a portable heater near the frozen pipe to quickly thaw a pipe. However, make sure to follow all the safety instructions and keep your device away from water
- You can apply electrical heating tape directly to the frozen pipe. Buy electrical heating tape which is easy to plug and unplug as needed.
- Hair dryer is another DIY tool you can use to get the job done. Just point the heat at the pipe. Make sure to follow safety measures.
If you’re unable to locate the frozen pipe or don’t have tools to help thaw the pipe, talk to a reputable plumbing company. An experienced plumber in your area will get this job done safely and quickly.
Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas
If you’re located in Edmonton, just give us a quick call and we’ll be happy to help. Whether it’s frozen pipes, damaged pipes, or any other plumbing problems, we have the experience and resources to deal with all kinds of gas and plumbing problems. Contact us for quick and affordable residential plumbing services!