When water freezes under extremely cold conditions and an unprotected pipe expands, it can rupture. A frozen pipe is more than just an inconvenience and a temporary loss of water. By taking the appropriate preventive steps, you might not need to worry about thawing frozen pipes, or worse, repairing a burst pipe after it freezes solid.
Here are some tips to consider if your water pipes are frozen solid, courtesy of your plumbing repair service experts serving Easton, PA and beyond, Curtis Total Service:
- Open the faucet so when the frozen area starts to melt, water will have a place to go and it will release the pressure built up.
- Start thawing the pipe at the faucet and work back toward the other end of the frozen section.
Water and steam will come out the open faucet as you thaw the ice. If you started thawing in the middle, the resulting steam can get trapped and wind up bursting the pipe.
There are several ways you can thaw your home’s pipes. Here are a few:
- A popular and safe pipe-thawing option is with the use of hot water. Wrap a thick towel around the pipe to hold heat against it. Place a bucket under the pipe to catch runoff water. Pour hot water over the towel.
- Try using a heat lamp or hair dryer. These aren’t as effective, but they’re much safer.
Once the pipe has started to unthaw, water will come out of the open faucet. Preventative measures should be taken before it starts to get cold. We suggest installing heat tape especially if you live in a mobile home or have an area of your home that gets a nice draft causing your pipes to freeze. Always consult your local plumbing professional.
If you require water line repairs or air duct cleaning services in Allentown, PA, or another nearby area, give us a call at 610-770-9045.