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How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?

12 Answers

Answered by TSC PLUMBING SERVICES

21st April 2020

TSC PLUMBING SERVICES answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

This issue is best resolved by pouring warm water over the offending pipe, water from your kitchen tap is best and mixed to a temperature not too hot to touch. A hair dryer is also commonly used but it may take a little longer. Once clear, run plenty of warm water down the drain pipe to make sure it is fully clear of all issues.

Answered by Plumblife

7th October 2019

Plumblife answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

To defrost frozen pipework try pouring warm water (not boiling water) over the pipework this will reduce the risk of pipework splitting. You could also try to warm the pipework with a hair dryer or heat gun. If you have a freestanding radiator or warm air blower try heating the room/pipework with this.

Answered by N R PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

12th August 2019

N R PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Use warm water on any frozen pipes and not boiling water as it can split the pipe . You may have to repeat the process a few times . Secondly normally when a pipe freezes it’s due to a incorrect installation, not lagged and a under sized pipes if it’s outside on a condensate pipe etc

Answered by Gas On Sea

29th May 2019

Gas On Sea answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

To thaw a frozen pipe the best option is to gently warm the pipe over time using warm water, this avoids risk of splitting the pipe from using boiling water, dry the pipework surface thoroughly and insulate or upsize pipe to avoid further freezing BoilerOne recommend you consult a verified plumber to advise you on options available.

Answered by Fortune And Co Plumbing and Heating Ltd

1st March 2019

Fortune And Co Plumbing and Heating Ltd answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

For exposed pipes you can try applying heat to the pipe using a hairdryer to warm it up slowly or use warm water. If a pipe has become frozen that mean it is not installed/insulated correctly there for i would recommend you get out a plumber to fix the problem. If your pipes become frozen there is a chance it can burst.

Answered by Precision Plumbing & Heating

1st March 2019

Precision Plumbing & Heating answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Best practise for thawing a frozen drain pipe is with the use hot water. Never use boiling water as this could cause damage to the pipework and yourself. Pour the water on the affected area. This may take more than one attempt if it is really solidly frozen. Extra protection may be needed to the pipework to stop this re occurring in future bouts of cold weather.

Answered by Prenton Plumbing Service Ltd

22nd February 2019

Prenton Plumbing Service Ltd answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Firstly if you are not confident ,comfortable or competent then ask for help . However if you are happy to attempt then always safety 1st Water pipes 1. Once the frozen pipe is locate open the outlet to an able the flow of water once defrost starts 2. Don’t use boiling water 3. Slowly pour hot water over the pipe If pouring water is not an option due to location the use a hot water bottle placing it along the frozen pipe moving it along the suspected frozen area 4. Once water starts to flow then leave it running for a short time 5. Put insulation (lagging)on the pipe at your earliest time If in doubt call a professional

Answered by A Royal Flush Plumbing

12th February 2019

A Royal Flush Plumbing answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

First you want to open a tap that is connected to the frozen pipe. This is essential to release the pressure on the pipe and not cause or increase damage on a pipe. Start nearest the tap and then work away from it. You can use a hair dryer or heat gun. Make sure you keep moving it along the length of the pipe. do not hold it in one place. A towel that has been dipped in warm water can be wrapped around the pipe to slowly unfreeze it. Warm but not boiling water can be used, poured along the pipe. This though is not advisable as water can freeze on the floor causing a slippery surface. heat lamps can also be used if in an outside building or covered area where no water can get into them. it is best to take your time in defrosting the pipe to save any damage to the pipe or yourself being caused. Outside taps can be left slightly open so there is a small trickle to help prevent freezing. make sure this is into a drain so no surface ice is caused. once unfrozen attach pipe insulation to the pipes and the tap insulation to any outside bib taps.

Answered by PipeDream Plumbing

11th February 2019

PipeDream Plumbing answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Pour hot water, not boiling over the frozen pipe along the run. It ,at take a couple of attempts to defrost. You can also use a heat gun or hairdryer if you prefer but its, more time consuming. Frozen pipes can sometimes mean an installation has had the pipework undersized check with professional for advice.

Answered by Thoroughbuild UK Services Ltd

10th February 2019

Thoroughbuild UK Services Ltd answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Pour warm water (not boiling) continuously on it until it defrosts. Once defrosted check that no ice blocks have not lodge themselves into any bends and blocked it again - where possible pour water through the pipe to make sure it's flowing freely. Do NOT tap or bang the pipe as it may be brittle and this could it to crack and leak! Pipes should ideally be lagged wherever exposed to extreme temperatures such as outside or in a loft.

Answered by Brendan Ballard Plumbing & Heating Services

9th February 2019

Brendan Ballard Plumbing & Heating Services answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

Often during lower temperatures it's possible your drain and condense pipes will freeze. To defrost, simply pour warm water (not hot or boiling water) onto the pipe. Continue until either a big wedge of ice comes out if the bottom of the pipe, or until you tap the pipe and it sounds hollow.

Answered by D.A Gas, Heating & Plumbing

4th February 2019

D.A Gas, Heating & Plumbing answered the question "How to thaw a frozen drain pipe?"

You can do this by pouring hot water from a kettle or bowl down the entire length of the pipe on the exterior. It may take a few goes but plenty of hot water normally does the trick. Alternatilvy you could try a hairdryer but on a large pipe this would take a long time so hot water is preffered.

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