How To Locate And Defrost Frozen Water Pipes Quickly

Frozen water pipes may be very frustrating especially when you observe one on a very hectic time. As a homeowner, you should be very vigilant in locating and defrosting your frozen water pipes in order for you to refrain from getting into too much trouble of not having the water flow from your pipes.

Here are some helpful ways in locating and defrosting your frozen water pipes quickly and correctly.

Locate The Frozen Pipes By Turning On All The Faucets

For you to thaw a frozen pipe you must first know and locate which pipe or pipes are frozen. You can do this by turning on the faucets on your property. If no water comes out, or only a minimal amount of water flows, then a pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen. There is a chance other pipes have been frozen also if one is frozen. Exposed pipes, such as pipes under the sinks, in basements or along the exterior of the house, maybe more observable for frozen pipes. Frozen pipes do often have frost or a minimal bulge. If the blockage is located on parts of the pipe that are transparent to you, you may have more ways of thawing the pipe rather than if the frozen pipe is hidden behind a wall.

Thawing Exposed Pipes

If the frozen pipe is located in an area you can easily access, you can attempt to thaw the pipe and continue to apply the heat until the water escaping from the faucet returns to full strength. You can try to use a hairdryer in thawing a pipe. Turn the dryer on and direct the heat at the pipe, beginning with the portion closest to the faucet and getting towards the blocked area. With this electrical product, you should take the proper precautions and remember to avoid contact with the water when operating the device. Another thing you can use is a hot towel. You can wrap hot towels around the pipe in order to help in slowly thawing the blockage.

Thawing Enclosed Pipes

Here are some options in thawing the pipe if the frozen pipe is located in an area that you cannot easily access. You can increase the temperature in the property if you attempt to thaw the frozen pipe. This process can allow the ice blockage to melt easily. Knowing which part of the wall is the frozen pipe located can help you try to thaw the blockage by placing an infrared lamp in front of the wall where the frozen pipe is discovered. The heat from the lamp can penetrate the wall and allow the pipe to defrost without cutting out a section of the wall.

Homeowners should be very watchful in dealing with defrosting frozen water pipes because this problem is not very easy to solve if you are not willing to take much time in locating the frozen pipes first. An extra amount of patience is needed in order for you not to see bursting pipes around your home.

For your plumbing needs, call Shaul’s now at 778-397-4850. We also offer backflow services and other emergencies. You may schedule an appointment here.