The answer is “yes” if the frozen pipe is a drain pipe. We cover several other thawing techniques you might want to consider using if you're dealing with frozen water lines. Below we'll discuss the proper method for pouring hot water down frozen pipes, as well as additional thawing tips to try.
You can apply heat to the exposed pipe to the toilet too with a hair dryer or heat gun, especially close to the wall so the heat will conduct back behind the wall. Sometimes it takes hours to thaw. Once you get it flowing, flush the toilet every two hours during severe cold to prevent a repeat.
A frozen pipe can be thawed out using a hot water bottle, a heat gun, hair dryer or you can even use a blow torch set to low heat, providing your pipes are metal (do not use a blowtorch on plastic pipes). An outside tap cover is a great idea and can prevent pipes and taps from freezing- Outside tap cover | pr...
No. Boiling water is not a proper drain clearing method nor is it for maintenance. This is especially important if you have PVC pipes, since those are wonky rated for 140F. The excessive heat can damage the pipes.
While it is okay to pour boiling water down sink drains, you should never use boiling water in your toilet, as the heat can cause the porcelain to crack. Instead, run your tub until the water is hot and fill a good-sized stockpot or bucket with it. Then, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from about waist height.
All the above methods for thawing a frozen water pipe will work for thawing a frozen drainpipe, except for the torches-you DON'T want to use a torch on a PVC or ABS plastic pipe. Plus, here's a couple of other ways you could thaw a frozen drainpipe. Pour hot/boiling water down the drain and let it melt the ice.
Tip #7: A Thaw Machine Will Be Your Savior
It's exactly what it sounds like: a portable device that plumbers use to thaw pipes quickly.
Most frozen icy waste removal jobs can be completed using the cold water supply from a garden hose. Heated water is usually not required. Use a sewer jetter with a nozzle that has a forward jet to help penetrate the icy clog.
Really! Salt “melts” ice by lowering the freezing point of water to about 15 degrees.
Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Turn a hair dryer on low and blow the heat from the dryer onto the frozen pipeline. Turn a hair dryer on low and blow the heat from the dryer onto the frozen pipeline. Go back and forth along the entire pipeline until the pipe heats to the touch and the water begins to fill the toilet tank.
It will take roughly 30-40 minutes of using a heat source to thaw exposed pipes. If the pipes are enclosed it will take longer for heat to penetrate the insulation between your heat source and the pipe.
Frozen Pipes and Water Blockages
Frozen pipes are usually not a local problem — they typically lead to system-wide pressure failure and other problems. If water cannot move freely through other fixtures, the toilet may not flush properly, making it more susceptible to clogging.
If possible, locate the section of pipe that is frozen and thaw it yourself using gentle heat (slowly warm it up). If you heat the pipes up too quickly, they can crack or melt due to the quick change in temperature! Try wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hair dryer, or both.
Easy ways to thaw a frozen drain pipe include turning up interior temperatures and wrapping pipes in hot towels. The job goes more quickly by pouring hot water or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and salt water down the drain.
Pipe-thawing options: There are several things you can do to thaw your home's pipes. Here's a list: Probably the most popular and safest pipe-thawing option is to use hot water.
And once the temperature outside dips below 32F, unprotected pipes are at a greater risk of freezing and potentially bursting. That said, it's still possible for your pipes to thaw without bursting. The key is to release the pressure and allow the pipes to thaw slowly.
You can bring a small heater up on the roof and direct the heat into, it may help. You will have the best success if you remove the melting water with a shop vac. Both the salt and hot water options will work eventually but I think the hot water will work the best, aside from the mess.
Thaw Frozen Pipes
Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.
The pipes are held together with glue that becomes susceptible when the boiling water rushes over it. The damage is often not observed immediately but rather progressively deteriorates as time goes on. Additionally, your own health should be taken into consideration.