Frozen water pipes can turn into a big headache during winter. If the pressure builds up behind the ice, your pipes will flood and then burst. That’s why thawing the pipes quickly and safely matters. This guide explains how long it usually takes, what methods work best, what to avoid, and when to call a plumber. You’ll also get a few tips on preventing this issue during cold weather.
What Not to Do When Thawing Frozen Pipes?
If you want to thaw your frozen water pipes on your own, avoid using anything with an open flame. Blowtorches, gas heaters, or kerosene devices are not safe for this process. They can easily cause fires, burn your hands, or damage the pipe’s material, especially if it’s plastic or PVC. Just a few extra degrees and you’re looking at melted sections and leaks.
Also, don’t bang the pipe or try to break the ice manually either. Some people try to smack the frozen part with a wrench or hammer. That doesn’t speed up thawing—it cracks the pipe instead.
There is no need to close off the faucets while you thaw your frozen pipes. Keep them open because it gives the water somewhere to go once the ice melts. If you trap the pressure, it can lead to bursting.
One more thing!
Never wait for the water pipe to thaw on its own if you know the weather won’t warm up. This is because the frozen water expands, and the longer you leave it blocked, the higher the chance it’ll crack open.
How to Thaw Frozen Water Pipes: 4 DIY Hacks
The first thing to do here is open up the faucet that is attached to the frozen water pipe. This will expedite the thawing process and allow the thawed ice to run through the pipes and out of the faucet.
1. Use a Hair dryer
A hair dryer is one of the safest ways to apply gentle heat to the frozen pipe. First, aim it at the side of the pipe closest to the faucet. This helps melt the ice so that it can drain. Then, use the highest heat setting and hold it a few inches away.
You have to move the moving so it doesn’t overheat in just one area. It’s a slow process, but you’ll hear trickling water when things start working again. Be careful with extension cords, especially in wet areas.
2. Wrap an Electronic Heating Pad Around the Frozen Pipe
An electric heating pad can warm the frozen water pipe gradually and evenly. To do this correctly, wrap it around the frozen section and plug it into a nearby outlet. If you use one with multiple heat settings, start low and increase as needed.
Since the heat wraps the entire pipe surface, it can melt ice faster than a blow dryer. Just make sure it’s the type approved for plumbing or outdoor use if the pipe’s located in a cold crawl space. Some pads include Velcro straps to hold them in place, so you won’t need to stand there. Leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes and check progress.
3. Soak the Towels In Hot Water
This one is quite easy to do. Take clean towels and soak them in hot water from your kettle or the hot water sink that still works. Next, wring them lightly and wrap them around the frozen water pipe section.
Once they cool off, repeat with new hot towels. You’ll need to reheat water a few times, but this method is great if you don’t have any heating tools. If the towel keeps slipping off, use zip ties or string to hold it in place. The water pipe will slowly warm and begin to melt the ice. As long as water starts trickling from the faucet, the thawing is progressing.
4. Use a Space Heater Near the Water Pipe
If the frozen section of the water pipe is inside a cabinet or a small crawl space, place a space heater nearby. This way, the warm air from the heater can easily circulate in the area evenly. But, be sure that the heater isn’t too close to flammable materials or touching the pipe directly.
Also, crack open any cabinet doors so the room air can mix in. You’ll need to monitor it for a while, but this is an excellent DIY, especially for the water pipes frozen under the bathroom or kitchen sink.
How to Tell If Pipes Are Thawing?
You’ll know the thawing has started when water begins trickling from the open faucet. Even a light drip means some of the blockage has cleared. The sound of movement inside the pipe can be another signal. You might hear cracking, hissing, or gurgling as the water pushes past the ice.
Touching the pipe can also give you a clue. If it’s warming up near your heat source and feels slightly soft in temperature, then thawing is underway. If one section feels warmer while another stays rock hard, it means the ice hasn’t moved through yet. Keep applying steady heat until the entire length feels more balanced. If you notice a full stream return, turn off your heating method and monitor for leaks. Sometimes the thawed section reveals a small crack that wasn’t visible earlier.
How Long Will It Take for My Pipes to Thaw?
It really depends on how frozen the pipe is and how cold the surrounding area is. If only one section is frozen and you’re using steady heat on it, it can take anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours. For example, if you’re using a hair dryer or hot towels, it’ll work more slowly, but it’s safe. The more access you have to the pipe, the faster the thawing goes.
But sometimes the ice stretches across longer lengths, especially in outdoor walls or crawl spaces. That’s when it might take several hours, even with heat applied. Turning the faucet on helps, too, because as the ice melts, the water can move and carry the rest away.
In case nothing works after two to three hours of heating, then either the freeze is deep in the pipe or there’s another issue stopping the thawing. Don’t wait forever. At some point, it’s better to call in a plumber before things get worse.
How to Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing In Winter?
Winter water pipe freezes don’t need to be a yearly disaster. A few habits and home checks during the cold months can protect your plumbing and stop water from freezing inside the pipes.
- Let a small trickle of water run overnight through the faucets. The constant movement of water, even in tiny amounts, helps slow ice buildup. It doesn’t waste much water, but it can save you from thawing or costly plumbing repairs later.
- If you plan to be away from home for a few days, leave your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.
- Cold air from the outside can slip in through those open spots and freeze the water pipe from the inside. So, check spots where pipes pass through the wall and seal any gaps or cracks with foam, caulk, or insulation sleeves.
When To Call a Plumber?
If your pipes haven’t thawed after trying multiple safe methods, or if you notice any signs of leaking after the thaw, it’s time to bring in a professional.
California Coast Plumbers can inspect the problem, identify the blockage or break, and repair it before things get worse. They’ll handle the heavy lifting so you don’t risk further damage trying to solve it alone.