Frozen Pipes are Frustrating

Frozen pipes is a common and menacing phenomenon in our Indiana winters. Although we are familiar with thawing frozen foods, to thaw frozen pipes, it takes a lot of technique and skill, something that you don’t really need when preparing frozen food for dinner.

Tips to consider when dealing with Frozen Pipes:

• As a prerequisite, keep most of the faucets open. This is done because as we commence to thaw frozen pipe, the ice begins to melt. The molten water starts to flow out through the frozen area and this flowing water through the rest of the pipe will assist in melting more ice pipe. This water should be allowed to flow out to speed up the thawing precess.
• The most common and feasible method to thaw frozen water pipes is by using electric hair driers, steam irons or a heat lamp. While thawing pipes with such heating equipment, start from the frozen area closest to the open faucet and then move away from it toward the farthest end.Note: Do not use a propane heater, a blowtorch or some open flame device for this purpose. This will heat the pipe too quickly and may cause the melting water to start boiling and cause the pipe to rupture.
• Another way is to heat some water to a lukewarm temperature and pour it on to the frozen area. It is advisable not to overheat the water till it starts boiling, and heat it only till it gets lukewarm. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can do it by using boiled water and pour it over rags of some cloth wrapped around a frozen area on the pipe. Pouring boiling water directly over the frozen pipe is unacceptable for risk of pipe bursting.• Keep applying the heat till the restoration of full water pressure is observed through the faucet. In case one cannot locate the frozen pipes or the frozen area is inaccessible or due to some reasons you are unable to thaw the pipe it is advisable to call a licensed plumber.• Do not stop after you’re done with one area. Inspect all remaining faucets in your home to determine, if there are more pipes that are frozen. If one pipe can freeze, there’s a large probability that others can freeze as well.

If you find that any of the above are not working do not hesitate to give us a call at (317) 859-9999