How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Without Breaking Them
Emergency Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a ticking time bomb. The ice inside expands, putting immense pressure on the metal or plastic. If you thaw it too fast or incorrectly, you can cause it to burst.
The Golden Rule: Never Use Open Flame
Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater, or kerosene heater. The intense heat can boil the water inside the pipe, causing it to explode. It is also a major fire hazard.
The Safe Method
- Keep the Faucet Open: As the ice melts, water needs a place to flow.
- Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer, a portable space heater, or wrap the pipe in an electric heating pad.
- Start Near the Faucet: Apply heat near the faucet first and work your way back toward the frozen section. This allows the melting ice to flow out.