The winter season is a favorite for many people, but the drop in outdoor temperatures can cause significant problems for a home’s piping. Proper pipe thawing is necessary to salvage your plumping system and prevent expensive damages if the lines freeze. However, pipelines also have to be thawed out correctly. Here, the team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, share a few tips and tricks you can use to unfreeze your pipes safely.

Top 3 Tips for Pipe Thawing

1. Locate the Frozen Pipe

If you suspect your property may have a frozen pipe, you first need to determine its location. Do this by turning on faucets around the home. If water is absent or runs out of the tap in a slow trickle, the pipe is probably frozen. You may be able to see whether a pipeline is frozen if the line is exposed under sinks or in the basement. If it is, it may have some frost on it or a slight bulge. Exposed piping is more straightforward to thaw than portions enclosed behind walls. 

2. Run the Faucet

After you locate the frozen pipe, open the faucet that runs through that particular drain. Open both the hot and cold lines if the fixture has two taps. If it only has one, place the handle in the middle for a full blast of tepid water. This step will help alleviate potential pressure buildups in the line. It also helps water escape the pipe once it begins to thaw.

3. Use the Right Heat Source

Not all heat sources are appropriate for pipe thawing. Torches or open flames can cause significant damage to the pipe and start a fire in your home. Instead, use a hair dryer, portable space heaters, or hot towels around exposed piping that has frozen over. For lines enclosed behind walls, try turning up the heat inside your home. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance.

If you need expert pipe thawing services, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing. Their friendly and knowledgeable team are available 24-hours a day to handle your frozen pipe emergencies. They also provide septic pumping and maintenance, sewer line inspections, and drain cleanings to keep your plumbing system in good condition for years to come. For an estimate, call (907) 488-9855 today, or visit them online for more information.