How do you unfreeze plumbing?

Author: Rhoda Hermiston  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.

Can you pour hot water down the drain to unfreeze pipes?

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.

What is the best way to unfreeze plumbing?

How to unfreeze pipes
  1. Turn on the faucet. Keep it running. ...
  2. Apply heat to the frozen area. Slowly apply heat using a hair dryer. ...
  3. Continue to apply heat. Don't stop heating until the full water pressure is restored. ...
  4. Check all faucets and prevent pipes from freezing in the future.

What do plumbers use to unfreeze pipes?

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.

Can pipes unfreeze without bursting?

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.

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe

Should I turn off water if pipes are frozen?

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.

How to find where pipes are frozen?

Turn on all faucets: Checking each faucet in your home will help you narrow down your search. The faucets that have little or no water pressure likely have a frozen pipe in their supply line. If every faucet is showing low water pressure, the frozen pipe may be near the water meter.

How much does it cost for a plumber to unfreeze pipes?

As long as your frozen pipes haven't burst, a plumber will likely charge a flat fee of around $100 to thaw them out. However, the cost to repair burst pipes tends to be much higher and will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage. Expect to pay $500 on average, which includes the diagnosis and the repair itself.

What do I do if my pipes are still frozen after 2 days?

If your pipes have been frozen for more than two days, shut down your home's water supply. Locate the frozen length using touch, sight and sound. Make sure the pipe hasn't burst, and open indoor faucets. Unfreeze the pipe using a hair dryer, heat tape, space heater or heating pad.

Can I flush my toilet if my pipes are frozen?

In most cases, no. Attempting to do so can cause pressure buildup in the pipe and lead to bursting. Additionally, flushing a toilet with a frozen pipe can result in unsanitary conditions due to a lack of proper drainage. Turn off the water supply and address the frozen pipe before attempting to use your toilet again.

Will turning up the heat unfreeze pipes?

Turn the Heat Upin the Property: You can attempt to thaw the frozen pipe by increasing the temperature in the property. Turning the thermostat up may be all that is needed to allow the ice blockage to melt.

How to unclog frozen drain pipes?

Here are some tips that can help:
  1. Boil water. Boil a generous amount of water and add a cup full of salt to it. ...
  2. Baking soda. While the water is boiling, put around ½ a cup of baking powder in the drain. ...
  3. Vinegar. Pour one cup of vinegar down the pipe immediately after putting baking soda. ...
  4. Pour boiling water. ...
  5. Run hot water.

How to tell if an outside faucet is frozen?

If you suspect that your outdoor faucet is frozen, there are a few ways to tell. First, check the temperature of the faucet; if it is cold to the touch, this could be a sign that it has frozen. Additionally, if water isn't coming out when you turn on the tap, this could also indicate freezing.

Will running hot water unfreeze pipes?

Applying Heat to Frozen Pipes

Here's what you should do to thaw out those pipes. Open the faucets. As the pipes heat up, the running water will further assist ice in melting.

Do you drip faucets during a freeze?

Should You Drip Faucets In Cold Weather? Yes, according to the Red Cross, the short answer to that question is you should.

How to thaw a pipe you cannot access?

If the pipe is behind a wall, you can turn up the thermostat and wait for the thaw. Or you can hook up a lamp to warm the area. Infrared lights work best because they don't warm the air, just the pipes behind the wall. If the pipe is exposed, you can heat it with a hairdryer.

Does Roto Rooter unfreeze pipes?

If you run into any problems unfreezing a pipe, be sure to give your Roto-Rooter plumber a call. Roto-Rooter is equipped with professional grade pipe thawing equipment that can be employed before a pipe bursts and causes water damage.

Can I just wait for frozen pipes to thaw?

We don't recommend the waiting game because the longer your pipes are frozen the more likely it is that they could burst. Burst pipes lead to water damage and water damage may result in structural and property damage, not to mention mold growth.

How long can pipes be frozen before bursting?

Pipes typically burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time (anywhere from 1-3 days depending on temperature). This is especially true for pipes located on exterior walls. A frozen pipe is likely to burst when any water or liquid trapped within it freezes and begins to expand.

How do I unfreeze my hidden pipes in my house?

Apply heat to the pipe.

You can also use a small heater or heat lamp. If there is no electrical outlet, boil some water and soak a few towels in it. Wrap the pipe with these towels. When the towels cool, repeat the process until the pipe is completely thawed.

What if pipes are frozen but didn't burst?

Even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage. This can lead to leaks which can cause significant damage over time if they go unnoticed. The best way to protect against frozen pipes and the resulting water damage is with an automatic water shut-off device.

What not to do with frozen pipes?

Do NOT Use These Methods To Thaw Frozen Pipes
  1. Blowtorch.
  2. Gas heater.
  3. Kerosene heater.
  4. Propane heater.
  5. Other open flame appliances.
  6. Any device near insulation.
  7. Electric device with extension cord.
  8. Electric heater, blow dryer, or other device near water.

Can I flush my toilet with frozen pipes?

Dealing With a Frozen Toilet

A toilet won't flush with frozen pipes. You can clear it once using water already stored in the tank, but you have to pour water in the bowl to flush again until you can thaw the toilet pipes.

Why is cold water not coming out of my faucet?

Check the Shutoff Valve

A common reason for not getting cold water is that the shutoff valve for the cold side could be partially or fully closed. If this valve isn't open all the way, it can block off that refreshing cold water you're waiting for.

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