Will pouring hot water down the sink unfreeze pipes?

Author: Ms. Everette Greenholt  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

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.

Should I pour hot water down the drain to unfreeze pipes?

Probably the most popular and safest pipe-thawing option is to use hot water.

What is the fastest way to unfreeze water pipes?

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...

What can I pour down the drain to unfreeze?

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.

How do you unfreeze pipes you can't see?

Apply heat to the frozen area

There are several ways to do this. You can wrap the pipes in thermostatically controlled heat tape, or you can use an external heat source such as a hair dryer or space heater.

Will pouring hot water down the drain unfreeze pipes?

How long does it take for underground pipes to unfreeze?

In many cases though, using the right heating tools can unfreeze your pipes in a matter of 30-45 minutes. Doing this safely and without causing the pipe to burst is the real challenge.

What to do if your pipes freeze overnight?

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. Apply heat to or around the pipe using a hair dryer.

Will frozen pipes unfreeze on their own?

Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing. As they do so, you may begin to hear your pipes making gurgling, clanging, or banging sounds as the ice begins to move. The hot water heater may do the same.

How do you tell if a drain pipe is frozen or clogged?

  1. 5 Signs You Might Have a Frozen Drain Pipe. thogan. ...
  2. 1 Visible frost on a pipe. ...
  3. 2 Strange sounds coming from the pipes. ...
  4. 3 Unpleasant smells from the pipes. ...
  5. 4 Weak water pressure or no running water at all. ...
  6. 5 Keep an eye out for leaks.

Should I turn my faucet on if my pipes are frozen?

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.

How long to run water after pipes unfreeze?

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.

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.

Can frozen pipes clog the sink?

Water expands while it freezes, placing extreme strain on plumbing. The force of the expansion can cause frozen pipes to burst and lead to leaks, water damage, and a clogged sink.

How to find where a pipe is 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.

What do you do if your hot water pipes are frozen but not cold?

Wrap the Pipe In a Hot Towel: Soak the towel in hot water and wring it out before wrapping it around the frozen pipe. The towel will cool. To avoid it freezing on the pipe, replace it every five to 10 minutes. Keep replacing the towel until the pipe thaws.

How long can pipes stay frozen without 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 you unfreeze pipes without bursting them?

If you have frozen pipes in your home, it can be tempting to try to heat them up as quickly as possible, but this could cause them to burst. Instead, use tools like a hairdryer, space heater, and even your home's thermostat to gradually warm the pipes.

Will pipes burst when they thaw?

Although common, frozen pipes do not always burst. However, the ice can increase this risk when it thaws and is usually worsened as it raises pressure further which makes pipe bursting common near winter's end or springtime. Furthermore, the more water flowing through the pipe, the greater chance of rupture.

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

Fill a pot with a half-gallon of water and bring it to a boil on the stove. Pour the water down the drain carefully and slowly. Turn on the faucet and let warm water run for 5 minutes. Repeat the process as needed.

Will salt thaw a frozen drain?

Additionally, you can add salt to frozen drains. Salt lowers the melting point of ice, causing it to melt at colder temperatures. Pour a tablespoon (15 mL) of salt down the drain, and give it time to act on the ice.

Do pipes unfreeze themselves?

If your pipes freeze, you may consider just waiting for your pipes to thaw and unfreeze themselves. While pipes can naturally thaw over time, there are a lot of issues that arise from this risky method. Depending on the weather and climate in your area, pipes can take a long time to unfreeze themselves.

Should I turn off water if pipes are frozen?

Ask any plumber, "Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?" and they'll immediately tell you, "Yes." Locate your main water line and switch the shut-off valve so the flow of water stops. By doing this, you'll reduce the amount of pressure that builds inside your frozen pipes.

How do plumbers unfreeze pipes in walls?

Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section where the frozen pipe is located. Heat lamps are a second choice, but infrared lamps are more efficient because theyn'tn't heat the air.

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.

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