Weve all been there; its winter, the temperatures have dropped and your pipes are frozen. This can be an alarming situation, but fear not! With a few simple tips, you can get your pipes running again in no time. An expert plumber in Toronto shares six useful tips to help you safely fix a frozen pipe. Keep reading to learn how to quickly and easily thaw out your pipes and get back to normal.
Find the Frozen Pipe:
If you’re dealing with a frozen pipe, the first step is to locate it. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, this could be an indication that one of your pipes is frozen. It’s important to keep in mind that the frozen pipe may not necessarily be located in the area where you are experiencing low water pressure.
To find the source of the frozen pipe, check around windows, walls and door frames for any signs of moisture or ice. You may also want to look for frost or condensation on exposed pipes in your basement or attic.
If you have an unfinished basement, pay special attention to the pipes near exterior walls as these are more likely to freeze due to the colder temperatures. Once you’ve identified the frozen pipe, you can move on to the next step of thawing it out.
Let the Water Run:
Once you have located the frozen pipe, the next thing you should do is to turn on your faucets. This will allow any melted water to flow out of the pipe, as well as reduce pressure in the plumbing Toronto system and help thaw the blockage.
You should open up both the hot and cold taps, letting the water run until it is at full pressure. This can help to gently thaw out any ice that has built up in the pipe, helping to restore your water flow.
If the water is still not running, then it is likely that the blockage is further along in the line and you should move onto the next steps.
Apply Heat Using a Hairdryer:
Using a hairdryer to apply heat is one of the easiest ways to thaw a frozen pipe. Before you begin, make sure that the hairdryer you are using is designed for this purpose. If not, it can cause damage to the pipe or even cause a fire.
To start, shut off the water supply to the pipe and then wrap the pipe in a towel or other insulating material. This will help keep the heat from escaping. Place the hairdryer against the pipe and turn it on. Make sure that its not too close as this can cause the pipe to overheat.
Start with the lowest setting on the hairdryer and work your way up if needed. You should feel some warmth coming from the pipe after a few minutes. Move the hairdryer around every few minutes, ensuring that you cover the entire length of the pipe evenly. Keep it on for as long as necessary until you see water flowing out of the pipe.
You Could Also Use a Heating Tape:
If you dont have access to a hairdryer, a plumber in Toronto suggests using heating tapes. Heating tapes are made of insulation that is wrapped around the pipe and then heated up with an electric current. This helps to provide uniform and concentrated heat to the area, which helps to thaw the frozen pipe faster.
When using heating tapes, it is important to make sure that you wrap them properly and securely around the pipe. Start by wrapping the tape from one end of the pipe and move your way up.
Make sure to overlap each layer as you go so that no gaps are left uncovered. If you leave any gaps, this could result in colder spots which could cause additional freezing.
Never Expose the Pipe to Open Flames:
It may seem like a good idea to use a lighter or blowtorch to thaw out a frozen pipe, but this is a bad idea. Exposing a frozen pipe to an open flame can cause serious damage to the pipe, creating cracks and leaking.
It can also lead to dangerous situations if the flame gets too close to flammable items around the home. Place the heat source a few inches away from the pipe for best results. Monitor the area as you do it; if it starts to overheat, take a break.
Seek the Assistance of a Plumber:
If you have exhausted all other options and still cannot thaw your frozen pipe, then it is time to call a professional. Plumbers are highly trained in the best practices for safely dealing with frozen pipes. Your plumber will have specialized tools and techniques to identify where the problem is located and how to best approach it. Additionally, your plumber will be able to provide advice on preventative measures to avoid frozen pipes in the future.
Having a frozen pipe can be a major inconvenience, as it can cause your home to lose water pressure and even cause flooding if the pipe bursts. Follow the tips mentioned above to get rid of this grueling problem. And as always, if you need more help, talk to an emergency plumber in Toronto who knows how to fix this problem effectively.