What Not to Do
Possibly more important than knowing how to unfreeze your pipes is knowing what not to do when they freeze. You shouldn't use any device with an open flame, such as a torch, kerosene or propane heater, or charcoal stove, to thaw your pipes. These devices can present a serious fire hazard.
You should also avoid using a heat gun on the piping in your home or business. Common heat guns can reach a temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (593 degrees Celsius). This is more than sufficient to accidentally start a fire with surrounding building materials. It also far exceeds the melting point of any PVC piping in homes or commercial buildings.
What to Do
The first step you should take if you suspect you have frozen pipes is to turn off the water supply to that section of plumbing or to your building. That will relieve water pressure from your home/commercial building’s water supply lines.
You can always call a professional plumber. Plumbers are trained, experienced and have the proper equipment to solve a frozen pipe issue in your home and business. They can also perform a needed repair and help prevent the freeze from reoccurring.
Opening a faucet will help to relieve water pressure on the lines. And it will allow you to know when you have water flowing again. The majority of water damage resulting from frozen pipes is caused by pipes bursting from the rise in water pressure that occurs as ice advances up the pipe. This is the actual reason for leaving a faucet open in cold weather. Flowing water can still freeze, but an open faucet will allow pressure to escape.
In most cases, you will find frozen pipes along exterior walls or where piping is exposed to cold air infiltrating through cracks or openings. Look for areas where pipes appear swollen or there is frost evident. If a pipe is behind a wall or otherwise cannot be seen, you might need to turn up the heat in the building and wait for the pipe to thaw. You might need to cut out (or have a professional cut out) a section of a wall or ceiling to get access to a frozen pipe.
One way to thaw frozen pipes is to heat the ambient air in the area and wait. Space heaters, such as the infrared type, are effective for this. But be cautious - electrical appliances should not be left unattended if there is the possibility of fire or coming in contact with water.
Using a hairdryer will supply enough heat to thaw a frozen pipe. Don’t leave a hairdryer unattended, instead, hold it in your hand and direct the warm air toward the frozen pipe. A heating pad can be used if the area is accessible and small. If there is no electrical outlet available, then the pipes can be wrapped in cloth and hot water applied. Regardless of the method you choose, have a mop handy in case any leaks develop.
If you are unable to find where your pipes have frozen or if there is visible damage to them, it is time to call in a plumbing professional.
Selective and your independent agent are available if you are a customer and have a frozen water pipe that results in damage to your home or commercial property.