Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot.
How to thaw pipes in attic.
Throw salt sand or soil into the water you spill in the path.
A heat gun is preferable to a hairdryer if you have one close at hand like a hairdryer on steroids.
A trickle of hot and cold.
The key is to know how your plumbing system works.
Continue to pour warm water onto it until you can open and close the valve.
Again keep it moving.
Any exposed pipes should be insulated using pipe sleeves heat cable or heat tape.
Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
The flowing water will prevent pipes from freezing.
Do not overheat the pipe in the same spot but keep it moving over the surface like if you were spray painting.
This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
Never use a blowtorch kerosene or propane heater charcoal stove or other open flame device and keep space heaters at least a few feet from the pipe.
Drain water from swimming pools and irrigation supply lines close valves supplying outdoor hose bibs then open exterior bibs to allow lines to drain check for any supply lines in unheated areas including the attic garage and in crawl spaces.
A hairdryer is a great device to thaw pipes.
Ring them out then wrap them securely around the frozen section of pipe.
Pour your warm water onto the frozen hose valve until you can remove the hose.
Heat the area until full water pressure is restored.
Locate the frozen pipe the first step to thaw frozen pipes is to locate the section of pipe and turn off the local water supply to it.
Put on rubber gloves and soak towels in hot water.
To determine whether a section of pipe is frozen simply feel it.
Do not leave cold wet towels around the pipes.
Replace with freshly soaked hot towels every 5 10 minutes until the pipe thaws.
Let water trickle from faucets.
Open the door to the attic to allow warm air to move up if you have pipes in the attic.
The small amount of water you waste is much less than the cost of a plumbing repair or the amount of water that will escape if a pipe bursts.
Keep pouring hot water over the open valve until water begins to flow.
Where does the wate.
Frozen pipe will feel very cold while pipe with free flowing water will feel notably warmer.
Wrapping towels soaked in hot water around the pipe or using a space heater to warm the surrounding area can help it thaw.
What to do if a pipe bursts.
