How do plumbers unfreeze pipes?

Plumbers have several techniques they can use to unfreeze frozen pipes, depending on the severity of the freeze. Acting quickly is crucial, as frozen pipes can burst and cause major water damage. Here is an overview of how plumbers tackle frozen pipe problems.

What causes pipes to freeze?

Pipes freeze when the water inside reaches 32°F or below. This usually happens when the ambient temperature surrounding the pipes dips below freezing for an extended period. Common causes include:

Cold weather – Prolonged freezing temps can cause pipes to freeze, especially if they are located on exterior walls or in uninsulated areas.
Drafty windows and doors – Heat loss through windows and doors in close proximity to pipes cools the pipes and makes them prone to freezing.
Compressed airflow – When a sink is located against an exterior wall, cold air can travel down the drain pipe and freeze the trap.

Lack of insulation – Exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements and crawl spaces are very vulnerable to freezing.
Thermostat setting – If the thermostat is lowered substantially or turned off, interior pipes can freeze.
Water leakage – Pipes that have cracked or split seals are at risk because escaping water makes the pipe even colder.

Knowing the most common causes of frozen pipes gives plumbers clues on how to best diagnose and resolve the problem.

How do plumbers diagnose frozen pipes?

Plumbers use the following methods to determine if pipes are frozen:

Visible ice – Check pipe joints and valves for visible ice buildup. This is a clear sign of a frozen pipe.

No water flow – Turn on several faucets served by the suspected frozen pipe. If little or no water comes out, the line is likely frozen.
Pressure gauge – Connect a pressure gauge to a hose bib and open the valve. If it shows very low or zero pressure, there is an ice blockage.
Infrared camera – Use an infrared camera to check for temperature differences along the pipe length. Much colder sections indicate freezing.

Pipe thermometers – Strapping thermometers at intervals along the pipe reveals freezing spots if any sections show 32°F or below.

Identifying exactly where the freeze has occurred is important for targeting thawing efforts.

How do you thaw a frozen pipe?

Once the frozen section is found, plumbers use these methods to safely thaw pipes:

1. Apply heat gradually

Sudden, intense heating of a frozen pipe can cause dangerous thermal expansion and water hammer. Plumbers instead start by warming the pipe with a hair dryer or space heater on low setting. This slowly transfers warmth through the pipe wall to melt interior ice.

2. Wrap in heat tape

Electric heat tape consists of a long cord that warms up when plugged in. By wrapping heat tape around a frozen section of pipe, the warmth slowly dissipates inward until flow is restored.

3. Soak with hot water

For exposed pipes, pouring hot water from a kettle or pan along the length of the frozen section helps melt the ice inside. Plumbers are careful to avoid steam burns.

4. Use a portable thaw machine

Commercial pipe thawing machines circulate hot water at about 200°F around the frozen pipe. A thermocouple avoids overheating and the pipe gradually warms from the outside in.

5. Install temporary heaters

For long frozen sections, plumbers may use portable space heaters, heat lamps or even hair dryers to warm the area and thaw the pipe. Insulation placed over the pipe traps the warmth.

Going slow with the application of heat is imperative to avoid pipe bursting. Once water starts flowing again, plumbers maintain warm air temps until permanent freezing fixes can be made.

What are some temporary fixes for frozen pipes?

For immediate emergency situations, plumbers can implement temporary measures to thaw and prevent refreezing of pipes:

Temporary Fix	Description
Open indoor faucet	Keeps water moving through the pipe.
Run portable heater	Warm up the environment around the frozen pipe.
Wrap with heat tape	Cord attached along pipe gently warms it.
Wrap with insulation	Prevents heat loss from the frozen section.
Seal air leaks	Stops cold drafts reaching vulnerable pipes.
Dump antifreeze in drain	Keeps water in trap from freezing.

These temporary fixes get water flowing again. Permanent solutions are needed to prevent a repeat incident.

What are some permanent fixes for frozen pipe prevention?

For long-term frozen pipe prevention, plumbers recommend full weatherization with professional insulation:

Permanent Solution	How It Helps
Pipe insulation	Inner foam sleeve slows heat transfer from water.
Heat tape	Self-regulating cord stays warm to 40°F.
Insulate walls	Prevents cold from penetrating to pipes.
Caulk cracks	Stops cold drafts reaching pipes.
Install storm windows	Adds layer of insulation to windows.
Close vents near pipes	Avoids freezing blasts of air on pipes.

Plumbers can assess the weak spots in a home and button it up against winter extremes. Proactive insulation and sealing prevents frozen pipe emergencies.

Can you insulate pipes yourself?

Homeowners can take DIY steps to insulate water pipes against freezing:

Buy foam pipe insulation. Look for slit tubing that can wrap around existing pipes. Get the right size – under 1/2 in, 1/2 in, 3/4 in etc.

Clean pipes so insulation fits snugly. Loose insulation loses effectiveness.
Before insulating, label valve positions with markers so they are visible.
Slit the insulation tube lengthwise. Spread it open and fit over the pipe, seam side down.

Apply vinyl end caps to close any gaps in starting/ending insulation.
Use aluminum pipe wrap tape to seal seams and hold insulation tight.
For hard to insulate spots, try self-stick foam sheets cut to fit.

DIY pipe insulation is an easy, low cost way to add protection against freezing. Calling a plumber is recommended for thorough weatherization.

Can frozen pipes burst?

Absolutely – ice expands inside the pipe, exerting tremendous outward pressure. If this stress exceeds the strength of the pipe, cracks and ruptures result. Some danger signs include:

Bulging walls – Pipe walls swell from internal ice expansion.

Split seams – Longitudinal ruptures along soldered seams.
Water stains – Ice pushes water through micro-cracks that leak.
Low pressure – Expanding ice obstructs flow, lowering pressure.

Loud cracking – Hairline fractures rapidly enlarge until pipe bursts.

Catching the issue before bursting can be difficult. Complete loss of water flow is a clear sign the frozen section has split open.

How much damage can a burst pipe cause?

Burst pipes can unleash massive amounts of water in a short time. The resulting property damage often reaches many thousands of dollars:

Ceiling and walls collapse from water saturation.
Wood floors warp, swell and disintegrate.
Wallboard soaks up water and becomes mushy.

Insulation turns into soggy matting.
Furniture finishes bubble and flake.
Carpet quickly becomes soaked and ruined.

Mold can gain a foothold and create health issues.

Not only is structural damage extensive, but water can also destroy irreplaceable possessions. Burst frozen pipes call for immediate emergency cleanup to dry out the home before rot and mold takes over.

How can you prevent pipes from bursting?

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to burst pipes. Recommended tactics include:

Insulate attics, basements and crawl spaces against the cold.
Seal leaks around windows, vents and doors.
Disconnect exterior hoses and drain irrigation systems.

Wrap pipes in unheated areas.
Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on outside walls.
Let faucets drip during sub-zero weather.

Open cupboard doors to allow warm air to circulate near pipes.
Don’t turn thermostat below 55°F during winter vacations.

Vigilance against frozen pipes is required to avoid catastrophic bursting and flooding damage.

What should you do if pipes burst?

If pipes let loose despite preventive efforts, immediate action is imperative:

Shut off the water – Locate the main shutoff valve and turn it off. This stops further flooding.
Switch off electricity – Never step in standing water while circuits are live.

Call for help – Contact a plumber to stop the breach and an emergency restoration company to dry out water.
Mitigate damage – Remove area rugs, towels, papers and other absorbents. Move furniture and valuables.
Document damage – Take photos of all water-affected areas and items for insurance claims.

Make temporary repairs – Have the plumber stabilize the broken pipe to stop further leakage.

Swift response limits the destruction from a burst frozen pipe. Professional cleanup and restoration services restore the home to a pre-damage condition.

Can home insurance help cover burst pipe damage?

Standard home insurance policies typically provide coverage for water damage due to burst frozen pipes. Key policy provisions include:

Water damage – Pays for flooding damage to floors, walls, furnishings etc.
Temporary lodging – Covers hotel costs if home is uninhabitable.
Mold remediation – Provides funds for professional mold removal.

Property repairs – Compensates for costs to restore home to pre-loss condition.
Personal property – Reimburses for damaged or destroyed household belongings.

Homeowners should promptly contact their insurance agent about filing a claim after pipe rupture damage and keep close records of all related expenses.

How can plumbers prevent pipe freezing in homes?

Plumbing professionals have many techniques to protect water supply pipes from becoming frozen solid:

Insulate pipes in unheated basement, crawl space and attic areas.
Seal windows, doors, vents and electrical outlets/switches to reduce cold air intrusion.

Install freeze-proof outdoor faucets.
Water pipes along exterior walls need extra insulation.
Attaching heat tape to vulnerable pipes adds constant warmth.

Drain irrigation systems and outside hoses before winter arrives.
Advise owners to keep indoor temperatures above 55°F in cold months.
Inspect and repair pipe joints, insulation gaps and seal leaks.

Vigilant preventive maintenance by plumbers reduces the risk of pipes freezing and then bursting under frigid conditions.

How much does it cost to unfreeze pipes?

The cost to unfreeze pipes depends on the methods and manhours required:

No repairs – For simple thawing of exposed pipes, costs often run $125 – $300.

Pipe repairs – Fixing burst sections or damage adds $150 – $500 or more to the costs.
Drain snaking – Clearing blockage ice from drains can run $100 – $350 depending on access.
Prevention – Comprehensive pipe insulation by a plumber may cost $600 – $2,000.

DIY thawing efforts can injure pipes. Plumbers have specialized tools that gently and effectively melt frozen blockages. Preventive insulation is highly recommended to stop freeze-ups.

Conclusion

Frozen pipes put plumbing at risk of catastrophic bursting if ice is allowed to expand unchecked. Plumbers have specialized diagnostic tools and gradual thawing methods to restore flow and avoid damage. Quick temporary fixes address immediate issues, but full weatherization is key to keeping pipes freeze-proof over the long run. Acting at the first sign of trouble allows plumbers to get ahead of freezing issues before pipes split open. Staying vigilant over insulation, sealing and proper home heating helps avoid frozen pipe emergencies and expensive property damage.