There's no doubt that freezing pipes are one of the worst things to deal with regardless if you're a homeowner or renter. Thankfully, thawing out pipes is easier than you think especially if you follow the tips in this article
How To Thaw Pipes Like A Pro
Tip #1: Use a Hairdryer to Thaw Frozen Pipes
As soon as you suspect that a pipe has frozen, try to find the problem area. It might be in your basement. It might be under a sink. Pipes located along exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing, so that’s a good place to start. Run an electric hairdryer along your pipes to warm them up and get water flowing again.
Tip #2: Wrap Hot Towels Around Frozen Pipes
If you don’t have a hairdryer handy, try this technique. The hot towels may slowly thaw the blockage. This strategy is best used on copper or galvanized steel piping, as metal conducts heat. It will be less effective on PEX piping. As the towels gradually cool, you can place a bucket under the pipe and continually pour hot water over them. (It might be a bit messy, but if it works, it’s worth it!)
Tip #3: Wrap Frozen Pipes with Heating Cables or Heat Tape
Heating cables and heat tape can be a lifesaver when cold weather strikes.
Heating cables are self-regulating, automatically varying their heat output based upon the surrounding temperature. You wrap the cable around your pipes (ideally before they freeze–but you can do so afterwards to thaw them as well) and then plug the cable into a regular electrical socket. The cable can be overlapped to provide extra protection.
Heat tape is a flat tape coated in rubber. The heat tape must run flat along the pipe and cannot overlap itself. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Some heat tapes cannot be used safely on plastic, such as PVC water lines.
If you plan to use either heating cables or heat tape, measure the length of your pipes before heading to the hardware store. This will help you to determine how much heating cable or tape you need. The cords come in various sizes, usually ranging from 30″ to 80″. Once applied, the cords will help to slowly thaw your frozen pipes; and if left plugged in, they can prevent your pipes from freezing again in the future.
Tip #4: Crank the Heat to Thaw Frozen Pipes Behind a Wall
The first three solutions won’t do much good if you can’t access the frozen pipe. If the frozen pipe is located behind a wall, one of your best (and only) options is to crank the thermostat. Sometime, heating the problem area is all you need to thaw the blockage. To speed the process along, consider using space heaters and/or infrared lamps against the wall where you suspect the frozen pipe is located.
Tip #5: Find a Plumber with a Thaw Machine
When all else fails, it’s time to bring in the pros. Most plumbing companies will have at least one thaw machine on hand. A thaw machine is a small, portable unit that a plumber will connect between a working pipe and a frozen pipe. Once the connections have been made (which look similar to jumper cables), the machine will then shoot electricity from one end to another. This heat conduction process is usually enough to thaw even the most stubbornly frozen pipes.
Get Property Management Here
For professional property management contact Square House property management today by calling us at (972) 523-1389 or click here to connect with us online.