If you were with us last week, you are familiar with the basic steps of opening a frozen pipe. Today we want to follow these steps together so that we can completely open the frozen pipe.
If you are not able to do this, it is better to get the help of a company that offers plumbing in Toronto.
Applying heat to the frozen pipe
At this point, your mission is simple: apply heat to the frozen pipe. To do this, homeowners typically use things like blow dryers, heat lamps, and heating pads.
Use a hot towel
Low-tech solutions can be just as effective. For example, you can pour hot water on towels that are placed over the frozen spot.
More important than the heat source is your technique. Remember that it’s best to start heating near the edge of the frozen area, on the side closest to the kitchen or bathroom. This way, any steam or water produced by the heating can escape from the pipe. Continue heating.
Turn on the heater
Alternatively, if you can’t apply heat directly to the frozen pipe, try turning on a heater in the nearest accessible area.
Opening the water tank
Once you’re sure the ice has melted, return to the main water supply faucet and turn it partially on. Then return to the pipe and check for leaks. If there is a leak in the pipe, close the water valve again, call a plumber.
Alternatively, if the pipe seems to be directing water properly, go ahead and turn the water supply all the way off and close any faucets or spigots that are still open.
Methods to prevent pipe freezing
To prevent a similar situation in the future, take measures to protect pipes exposed to freezing.
There are several options for the homeowner that do not involve rerouting the plumbing or changing the heating system and are not expensive
First, insulate your pipes – if not all of them, at least those in the coldest parts of the house, such as the basement, yard or garage.
You can go a step further and install a heat strip, an electrical device designed specifically to prevent pipes from freezing.
At the very least, if you know very low temperatures are on the way, you can always open your under-sink cabinets to warm the exposed pipes a few degrees.
And finally, as a last resort, you can open all your faucets a trickle, just to get the water flowing through the pipes.
In fact, with preparation and resourcefulness, you can ensure that you never have to blow dry a frozen pipe in the cold winter again!!!!