With colder-than-average temperatures this winter, more homeowners struggle to thaw frozen pipes before they burst and cause significant damage. Quick action is vital, as the building pressure can lead to a burst pipe. While you can start the thawing process yourself, you may need to hire pipe and drain repair professionals from American Rooter in Watertown, CT. Here, they recommend three tips for thawing a frozen pipe.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

1. Find the Frozen Pipe

If you turn on a faucet and the water comes out in a trickle, the pipe leading to that faucet is likely frozen. If it’s an exposed pipe under a sink, in your basement, or on the outside of your house, you’ll probably be able to see ice forming on the frozen section. It may even look bulged. If the frozen pipe is hidden behind the walls of your home, thawing will be tricky, and you may be better off calling a pipe and drain repair expert.

2. Open the Faucets & Start Thawing

Once you’ve located the frozen pipe, you need to start thawing it out right away. First, open both the hot and cold faucets. This will relieve the pressure building up in the pipe as the ice melts and prevent it from bursting. Then you can start thawing using a hair dryer, portable space heater, hot towels, or electrical heating tape. A hair dryer is the easiest option. Start by heating the faucet and working your way back to the frozen portion. This will help prevent a burst pipe as it begins to thaw.

3. Turn up the Heat

If the frozen pipe is hidden behind a wall, start by turning up the heat in your home. In some cases, that may be all you need to do to thaw the pipe. If not, try heating the pipe through the wall with an infrared lamp. Otherwise, you’ll need to cut a hole in the drywall to access it. If you aren’t comfortable with those options, call a pipe and drain repair expert right away.

To prevent a frozen pipe from bursting and causing significant property damage, call the pipe and drain repair crew at American Rooter. They’ll assist with the thawing process and help you take preventive measures to avoid frozen pipes in the future. They also handle clogged drains, septic tank cleaning, and more to address all your plumbing needs. Visit them online to learn more or call (888) 863-4638 to request service.