Frozen pipes are being seen more often because of colder winters. With scientists predicting more and more arctic like cold weather in the foreseeable future, homeowners who do not winterize will be seeing more and more frozen pipes. So what do you do if this all too frequent winter plumbing emergency effects you and any or all of your piping freezes up?
First off, since water expands when it freezes, a frozen plumbing pipe is in danger of bursting. When a burst pipe subsequently thaws, water will rush out through the break causing flooding. Consequently this is a plumbing emergency.
The first sign that water in your plumbing pipe is beginning to freze is slowing of the flow through the faucet to a mere trickle. If you see this sign, immediately turn on that faucet's hot and cold water and let it run continually. This will keep the tap from freezing up and even assist in the thawing process. Let the water run until it has returned to full flow.
If any of your faucets are entirely without water, you need to make a quick determination of where the blockage is and how many taps are affected. In very cold weather more than one section of the plumbing pipes commonly become frozen. To make this determination, open all the faucets in your home.
If only one faucet is frozen than the frozen pipe is local. If multiple taps are without water, then the freeze is in multiple segments. If no water is flowing in the house at all than probably the main water line is frozen, either where it enters the meter or before. Outdoor pipes are normally laid beneath the frost line. However, if an underground pipe has frozen anyway you probably can't do anything about it until next year. When the warmer weather comes you will have to get a plumber to bury the outdoor pipe deeper.
Once you know which faucet is affected, you need to determine exactly where the problem lies. Sections of piping that are filled with ice can usually be detected by feel. A frozen pipe segment will feel cold to the touch whereas a water carrying pipe will be 50 degrees after the water has run through it for 2 minutes. If you have an infrared thermometer, you can use it to locate the segments that are frozen.
Before you begin thawing the pipe, be sure to turn off the main water supply to the house. If the pipe has already burst, turning off the water will prevent flooding once it has sufficiently warmed to restore flow. At the same time, be sure to open the faucet of the pipe you are thawing. This is essential because during the thawing process gases will be released, and might cause an explosion if they have nowhere to go. Watching for water to start dripping from the open spicket will allow you to monitor your progress.
There are several effective ways to thaw a pipe. You can wrap it in warm towels, pour hot water over it, use a space heater, a heat lamp, heat tape or a hair dryer. Whichever method you choose, it is important that you do it properly.
If you are using hot towels, be sure to wrap several layers around the effected segment of piping. Keep the towels warm by pouring hot water over them. If there are any electrical appliances nearby, be sure not to stand in a puddle of water. A hair dryer is very useful for thawing pipes When using a dryer be sure to move it in an even motion around the pipe, not staying too long in any one area. Make sure you are not standing in a wet area when using the electrical appliance.
A space heater placed close to a pipe can also be quite effective. If the frozen pipe is under a sink next to an outer wall of your house, for example, open the cabinet doors and place the heater close to the cabinet. A space heater can be used in combination with other techniques and will keep the worker warm during the procedure.
Heat lamps also work well. When employing a heat lamp, be sure to keep it a foot away from the pipe being thawed. Be sure not to place it on a wet area, and make sure that water does not drip on the appliance. If you are at all uncomfortable about working around dripping water close to electrical outlets, then call a plumber.
Heat tape can also be used to thaw pipes. Heat tape is wrapped around the pipe and then plugged into the wall. As it warms up, it thaws the pipe slowly, which is good for wear and tear. Make sure the tape you are using is certified for use in mobile homes. Don't double the heat tape over itself. This may lead to burning and malfunction of the product.
Do not use a blow torch. This implement can melt and destroy plastic piping and can also lead to too rapid expansion of gases in a confined space, which can cause an explosion. And do not employ extrinsic heat anywhere near gas piping. If the section of plumbing pipe to be warmed is close to a gas containing pipe call in a professional plumber and leave the job to him.
Once water begins flowing out of the faucet and you have been able to ascertain that there are no leaks, reopen the main and keep the local tap open until the process of thawing is complete.
Ifnothing workss, or if you feel unsure about what you are doing, contact a plumber. Be sure to call your local plumber right away as he is likely to be getting lots of emergency plumbing calls, and you need to put your call in as soon as possible. Don't forget, this is one instance where the rapid intervention of an emergency plumber can save your plumbing appliances and protect you from additional costly repairs.
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