Winter Safety Project: Thawing Frozen Pipes!

Gary Sullivan Tips: Thawing Frozen Pipes

Before we begin, here's some rules:

  • Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame like a torch. 
  • Never thaw a frozen pipe with anything that could catch something on fire like a heat gun. 

Now, here's the process I would use:

  1. The best way to thaw a frozen pipe is with a hair dryer, but make sure it is plugged into a protected outlet. 
  2. Shut off the water supply to the house and try to locate the area of the pipe that is frozen. 
  3. Open up the faucet that is nearest to said pipe and begin to warm the pipe as it warms the ice will begin to warm and water will begin to drip out of the faucet. 
  4. If the pipe is against the outside wall consider putting aluminum foil between the pipe and outside water to deflect the heat onto the pipe. 
  5. You can also use heat lamps, portable heaters or towels soaked in hot water.

Additionally, to prevent frozen pipes allow warm air to reach the affected area or wrap the pipes with heat tape or insulation.

BE SAFE OUT THERE AND STAY WARM!


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