Here in Brunswick, ME, winters get extremely cold. It can be cold enough that the plumbing in your home is at risk of freezing. It’s a good idea to take steps to protect your pipes from the cold to keep that from happening. But if you end up with a frozen pipe, you should know how to defrost it without doing further damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that.
Step One: Find the Frozen Pipe Section
Before you can address a frozen pipe, you must find its precise location. That task may be more complicated than you think. Remember that much of your home’s plumbing runs through places you can’t see. To start your search, turn on all your home’s faucets. When everything’s working normally, all your faucets should have approximately the same water pressure. If one doesn’t, its supply pipe may have ice in it.
Once you identify the likely iced pipe, try to trace it from under the affected sink. It can be helpful to use an infrared thermometer as you do this. It can help you find abnormally cold pipe parts, even if hidden inside a wall. You’ve found your thawing target if you find a portion of the pipe that registers a sub-freezing temperature.
Step Two: Prepare Your Plumbing
The next thing you must do is prepare your plumbing to endure the thawing process. If you skip this step, you could damage your home’s plumbing instead of solving your frozen pipe issue. Begin by locating and turning off your home’s main water supply valve. Then, turn on every faucet in your home. That will give any built-up air pressure in your pipes somewhere to go when the ice starts melting.
Step Three: Gather Necessary Tools
Once your plumbing is ready, you must gather tools for the job ahead. Since there’s no way to guarantee that a frozen pipe isn’t damaged, prepare a bucket, mop, and towels. If the frozen pipe section is inside a wall, you may need a drywall saw to access it if there’s a leak. You will also need something that can heat your frozen pipe section.
A heating pad is an excellent option if you have direct access to the frozen pipe. You can wrap it around the pipe to apply heat evenly to its entire surface. Otherwise, a hairdryer will do the job but will require you to hold it throughout the process. Consider a small space heater if the frozen pipe section is inside a wall. You can place it a safe distance away and let it warm the pipe from there.
Step Four: Thaw Your Frozen Pipe
Your next step is to apply heat to your frozen pipe section. Whatever you use to apply the heat, the key is to try to thaw your pipe slowly. For example, if you’re using a heating pad, don’t turn it past its medium heat setting. Also, if possible, try to apply heat first on the side of the frozen pipe closest to the nearest faucet. That way, the water and steam generated in the thawing process have somewhere nearby to escape. You will also need to show some patience during the thawing process. A fully frozen pipe may take 45 minutes or more to thaw.
Step Five: Look for Leaks and Clean Up
Finally, once you’ve eliminated the ice in the affected pipe, it’s time to check for leaks. If you can access the affected pipe, wrap a towel around it, covering the previously frozen section. Then, turn your home’s water supply back on. If you’re lucky, your pipe will have survived the process unscathed. However, it isn’t uncommon for a frozen pipe to develop leaks or split open from the ice’s pressure. Examine the affected pipe for signs of moisture. If the pipe’s inside a wall, feel it for signs of wetness. Turn off your water supply and call a plumber immediately if you detect any, as you may need pipe repair due to breakage. Otherwise, returning your home’s plumbing to regular use is likely safe.
Your Local Plumbing Experts
If any of the pipes in your home freeze, Dog House can help. We’ve served Brunswick homeowners since 2010, offering expert plumbing services as well as serving all your heating, and cooling needs. We also provide indoor air quality and duct cleaning services. Our team leader is a master plumber with decades of experience. Our employees undergo continual training to stay on the cutting edge of the plumbing and HVAC trades. We even offer financing options on approved credit for larger home improvement projects.
So, if you need help with a frozen pipe in your Brunswick home, call Dog House today!
