Brrr! How to Thaw Out Your Frozen Pipes
We’re bracing ourselves for windy and frosty nights this winter. Hot beverages, heated water, warm blankets, and cozy layers are the norm—along with frozen pipes! Yes, you read that right. Frozen pipes are one of the most frequent complaints people have in the cold season.
So, what Are Frozen Pipes?
Well, when temperatures drop to the extremes, the water in our pipes solidifies into ice, which causes it to expand. The pipes become strained due to this distress, creating a leak or crack on the pipe, resulting in the risk of water flow inside your premises.
Some of the biggest tell-tale sign of a frozen pipe is a bulge along the pipe or water unable to flow through the taps during a frosty morning.
If you do have a frozen pipe, make sure you act upon it right away with help from our licensed plumbers in Fort Worth, TX, instead of hoping it will thaw naturally.
Are There Any Ways To Undo Frozen Pipes?
Fortunately, there are many tricks to defrost your pipes quickly. These tricks are easy, convenient, and also affordable. But first, let’s go over the preparation process for thawing.
First, you need to identify which pipe is frozen and its corresponding faucet. Then, open the faucet completely so that the pipe isn’t pressurized once it thaws.
Start defrosting near the faucet and work your way backwards to the main pipe.
Moreover, if the frozen pipes are in an accessible area, you can use the following items to thaw the pipe. Remember to keep checking the water strength from the faucets, and keep applying heat until it returns to its original pressure.
- Hot Towels – One of the easiest ways to thaw frozen pipes are to use hot towels. Just heat the towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen pipes.
- Hairdryers – Simply use your hairdryer at its heat setting and point it in the direction of the frost. Remember to take precautions to ensure the dryer doesn’t come in direct contact with the water.
- Heat Lamp– If you have a heat lamp, simply plug it in and position it in a way that the heat manages to reach the pipes.
- Electrical heating tape–Investing in an electrical heating tape is a good idea if you have long pipes. Purchase them from any store and apply the tape to the pipes. The tape works its magic by issuing heat along the length of the frozen pipe.
It’s always a good idea to prevent the pipes from freezing in the first place.
- Ensure the pipes are in an insulated location
- Set your thermometer at a constant temperature
- Let cold water drip occasionally from the pipe
Finally, it is always a good idea to let a professional look at these things so they’re able to guide you better. At Pro Serve Plumbing, we provide a wide range of quality plumbing services to residents in Fort Worth, TX. We have a team of licensed plumbers that’ll fix your plumbing problems in no time. Contact us now for all your plumbing needs!
