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Thawing Frozen Pipes: What to Do and What You Absolutely Should Not

We know that you want to thaw out your frozen pipes fast, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do so. We’re here to offer our experts’ advice, so that you can get water back to your faucets quickly and safely. Be sure there is insulation around exposed pipes and leave your heater on when you go on vacation—you don’t want to come home to frozen or burst pipes.

The Right Way to Thaw Your Pipes

If you need to thaw out your frozen pipes, there are a few things that can really help. Check out our list for some helpful advice:

  • Keep the faucet on – Don’t turn the faucet off. You need water to flow out of the faucets so the freezing and thawing of water isn’t so tough on the pipes. Plus, running water helps existing ice in the pipes to melt.
  • Keep the heat on – Make sure the heat is on in the home and is able to reach other potentially affected areas of piping by opening doors and cabinets.
  • Apply heat – You can do this in a few different ways. One is an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipes. Another is a portable space heater (just don’t leave this unattended or as a long-term solution). Or, you can simply use a hair dryer.
  • Apply insulation – If this area of piping is prone to freezing, you should keep it insulated using pipe sleeves, or any other insulating material. In a pinch, some newspaper may help.
  • Call a plumber – If you cannot pin down the frozen section of pipe or if you’re having trouble thawing it, be sure to call in a professional plumber for help or for more advice.

Something You Should Never Try

There is one method we never recommend for heating a frozen area of piping. Never use an open flame to heat the pipes, like a blow torch or a kerosene or propane heater. It may take longer to thaw by alternate means, but this is actually a much safer method.

Contact Evans Plumbing Inc for plumbing service and more in Ketchum, ID and the surrounding areas.

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