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.
Yes, hot water can be used to unclog frozen pipes.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Boiling water can be a quick fix for certain clog types, especially those involving organic matter. For example, when food particles or hair bind together within your pipes, pouring boiling water directly down the drain might break them up. This is due to its high temperature and thermal energy transfer capabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pour boiling water down the drain pipe
This risk will depend on how far down the pipe the ice blockage is. Whether you heat a pan of water on the stove or boil the water in the kettle, there needs to be enough water to break through the ice and defreeze the drain completely.
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.
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.
Frozen Pipes and Water Blockages
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, causing water expansion that can burst pipes or block water flow. Even if the pipe doesn't break completely open, the ice creates an obstruction that prevents waste from flowing through.
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. Wrap and secure heavy towel or burlap bag around pipe to concentrate and hold heat against it.
An open faucet that produces no water or only a slow trickle is a good reason to suspect that a pipe has frozen. Check the water meter; if it shows movement when all water fixtures are off, it is likely that a pipe has burst.
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.
Should You Drip Faucets In Cold Weather? Yes, according to the Red Cross, the short answer to that question is you should.
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.
Ultimately, pouring boiling water down the drain can be a useful method for dealing with certain types of clogs, but do note that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Fill a bucket with hot, but not quite boiling water and pour it directly into the drain. The combination of heat and pressure can sometimes be enough to clear minor blockages such as soap scum build-up.
It's essential to note that PVC is designed for a maximum service temperature of about 140 degrees, and prolonged exposure to temperatures above this limit (boiling water is typically around 212 degrees) can compromise its structural integrity.