Tip #9: Hot Water and Salt Can Thaw Drainpipes
Stir a cup of kosher salt into the hot water, then pour the concoction down the frozen drain. This slurry will act like the rock salt you put down outside to melt ice-covered sidewalks.
Probably the most popular and safest pipe-thawing option is to use hot water. Wrap and secure heavy towel or burlap bag around pipe to concentrate and hold heat against it.
A frozen drainpipe may usually be unfrozen by running hot water down it. Fill a half-gallon pot halfway with water and heat it on the stove. When it starts to boil, take it from the heat and pour it down the drain slowly. This may be enough to melt the ice and unclog your drain completely.
Deeper P-Traps could be used, but they would require more space close to the fixture, so the HepvO sanitary waste valve with its slimline design is an ideal alternative in this situation. In cold climates the water in a p-trap is likely to freeze, block with ice and potentially crack.
Manually thaw: Begin the thawing process at the most vulnerable places (near faucets). By targeting these areas first, your pipes will be less likely to burst. To do so, gently apply heat to the frozen areas. A blow dryer is a good option (use caution, go slowly, and don't use an open flame).
Don't dump any chemical drain cleaners down either, as it likely won't make it through the frozen blockage and it will just sit in the pipe. The acid from it could start to corrode over a short time. If you want to take some boiling hot water and dump that down, it could potentially help a minor problem.
Frozen pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but it could take days or even weeks. If New York City is experiencing a brutal cold snap, the temperature could stay below freezing for many days. Meanwhile, the water in the pipes could be expanding.
Be prepared to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes. When the pipe begins to thaw, water will start flowing at a faster rate through the open faucet. Even after the water pressure is fully restored, it's recommended to keep the heat on the pipe to ensure the ice in the line is completely melted.
Burst pipes are not only an inconvenience—they can result in devastating water damage and costly repairs. You may be wondering if pouring hot water down the drain will unfreeze pipes. The answer is “yes” if the frozen pipe is a drain pipe.
A plumber can properly thaw your pipes and give you tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing and causing an emergency in the future.
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.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
While you wait, reduce water pressure by opening all the faucets inside the home one-quarter turn. Water will begin to trickle out, helping the ice to thaw. Remember to close all faucets after full water pressure is restored.
Simply pour a handful of salt down your drain pipe, quickly followed by boiling water. Alternatively, boil the water in a saucepan and stir the salt in the boiling water. Once the salt has completely dispersed, carefully pour it down the drain.
Freezing and thawing water inside your pipes can cause them to rupture, leading to extensive water damage in your home. If you have had issues with frozen pipes in the past, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk in the future.
Start as though you are going to root out the trap. Take the overflow cover off and run a tube down with hot water flowing through it. As it hits the ice and melts it, keep pushing it down. When it stops coming back up the tub drain, you are done.
Frozen pipes are likely to burst, leading to severe water damage in homes and businesses. Pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas like attics, basements, and garages are most vulnerable to freezing.
How to thaw frozen pipes. It's best to thaw out pipes slowly, with hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a naked flame or blowtorch to thaw the pipe – as direct heat may cause permanent damage to the pipes and could also lead to a fire in the home.
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.
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.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Moving water keeps pipes from freezing. Find shut off valves for emergencies. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.