How To Defrost Frozen Pipes In A Wall Outside?

In winter, pipes freeze and must be thawed quickly to prevent water pipes from bursting. To do this, run water through the pipe, apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.

If your frozen pipe is inside a wall, follow these four steps: locate the frozen section, turn off the entire water supply, leave the faucet that isn’t working on, find the frozen or blocked pipe, open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain, and keep the outside valve open to allow any remaining water to expand without causing the pipe to break.

Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to prevent leaks or flooding. For fixing frozen pipes in an exterior wall without opening the wall, block wind from the outside, open cabinet doors or panels to expose the pipe to warmer room air, and set a fan up to blow room temperature air at the cold wall.

If you notice an exposed frozen pipe, apply heat to the frozen pipe with a heating pad, blow dryer, towels soaked in hot water, or a space heater. Continue to apply heat until water pressure is restored. Wrap heat tape around the frozen section of pipe.

To thaw frozen pipes, start by opening the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. Apply heat to the pipe using a safe method, such as an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater. If the pipe is close to the wall, place a cookie sheet behind it.

Turn off the water supply at the supply line if the pipe is frozen and turn affected faucets on so the pressure can escape as the ice thaws. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to thaw frozen pipes to prevent lasting damage and restore water flow throughout your home.

Will a pipe always burst if it freezes?

Pipes burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for 1-3 days, especially on exterior walls. Frozen pipes are likely to burst when trapped water or liquid freezes and expands, causing pressure to build within the pipe. If the temperature remains below freezing, the liquid will continue to expand, causing the pipe to rupture at its weakest point. Frozen pipes don’t always burst, but without proper attention and maintenance, the risk increases.

To protect pipes from freezing, drain exterior lines before extremely cold weather arrives, including hoses, sprinkler lines, and pool plumbing. This will prevent water buildup, freezing, and potential pipe rupture. However, there are no guarantees that frozen pipes won’t burst during cold weather.

Will running hot water unfreeze pipes?

To thaw frozen pipes, locate the main water shut-off valve, turn on both cold and hot water faucets, and let the hot water run for 20 minutes if the cold water has frozen but the hot water comes out. If the hot water pipe is frozen, use a hair dryer set on high heat and hold it a few inches away from the frozen section. If the frozen section is within the wall, aim the hair dryer as close as possible. Thawing a pipe within a wall takes longer, possibly 45 minutes to an hour.

If all else fails, call a plumber to avoid burst pipes and water damage. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe, as torching can damage pipes. The Waterworks is available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies, and their comprehensive experience in plumbing, drain, heating, and cooling services can be found at 614-232-2222.

How do you unfreeze an outdoor drain pipe?

To safely thaw frozen drain pipes, heat half a gallon of water on the stove without boiling it. Pour one cup down the drain and let it set for a minute. Repeat this process until the frozen drain thaws. This prevents Category 2 gray water contamination from pouring into your home. ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has been handling winter plumbing cleanups for over 27 years. They offer easy methods, better techniques, and the best ways to safely thaw frozen drain pipes.

What to do if exterior pipe freezes?

To fix frozen pipes, use an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or hot water-soaked towels. Avoid using open flame devices like blowtorches or kerosene heaters. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If the frozen area isn’t visible or accessible, call a licensed plumber. Check all faucets in the home to check for additional frozen pipes, as one freeze may cause others to freeze.

Can I run water to unfreeze pipes?

Pipe freezing is a problem due to water’s unique property of expanding as it freezes, putting pressure on the container, including metal or plastic pipes. This expansion can cause pipes to break, especially in exposed cold areas like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and unheated interior areas like basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Running water through pipes helps melt ice in them.

How to unfreeze water pipes in walls?

To prevent freezing pipes, turn the thermostat up and wait for the cold to radiate through the outer layer of the wall. Your heat pump or furnace is working hard to warm the walls and pipes within them. Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section where the frozen pipe is located, as it directs energy towards warming the wall and frozen pipe. If necessary, tear out a section of wall or ceiling to reach the frozen pipe.

Pipes along an exterior wall are most likely to freeze during freezing weather, while pipes protected by insulation between floors or well-insulated multi-story homes have a lower risk of freezing during winter. Some pipes more susceptible to freeze include those in an outside wall, under the sink, or in unheated crawlspaces or utility rooms.

Can pipes unfreeze without bursting?

Frozen pipes do not always burst, but they can increase the risk of bursting when thawed and raise pressure, making it common near winter’s end or springtime. The more water flowing through the pipe, the greater the chance of rupture, leading to flooding, sewage backup, mold growth, structural damage, and other issues. Frozen pipe damage is common in harsh climate conditions, such as extremely cold temperatures, and can cause water damage to your home.

Regardless of the type of pipes, whether metal or plastic, they can expand or burst, causing water damage and significant repair costs. Therefore, it is crucial to take safety measures to prevent pipes from bursting.

Will pouring hot water down the drain unfreeze pipes?

Pipe-thawing options for home plumbing include using hot water, a propane torch with a flame-spreader nozzle, a heat lamp or hair dryer, and a garden hose. The most popular and safe method is using hot water, wrapped around the pipe to hold heat against it. Place a bucket under the pipe to catch runoff water, then pour hot or boiling water over the towel.

A less messy but more dangerous heat source is a propane torch with a flame-spreader nozzle. Be careful not to leave the torch flame in one spot too long, especially near soldered pipe joints. Avoid using torch or other direct high heat on plastic pipes.

To thaw a frozen drainpipe, remove the trap and insert a length of garden hose into the pipe. Raise the hose and feed hot water in through a funnel, ensuring it reaches the problem area. Be careful not to scald yourself, as the hot water will back up toward you until the ice melts and drains down the pipe.

How do I unfreeze my pipes I can’t see?

To melt ice in a pipe, apply heat slowly using a hair dryer or an external heat source like a hair dryer or space heater. Avoid using a propane torch as it can damage the pipe and pose a fire risk. Direct air close to the faucet end and move towards the coldest section, avoiding overheating or blowing a fuse. Keep the faucet on while heat is applied. Continue heating until full water pressure is restored, and leave the faucet open for a few minutes after the pipe is thawed to allow ice to clear from the line.

How long does it take for outside pipes to thaw?

Manually thawing pipes can cause significant damage if done incorrectly and can vary in duration. Increased indoor temperatures can help unfreeze indoor pipes, while outdoor pipes may take longer. However, using the right heating tools can unfreeze pipes in 30-45 minutes. Frozen pipes are most at risk for bursting due to the pressure of flowing water pushing against ice, pipe fittings, and valves. With a closed tap, the pressure upstream can be too much, and when the temperature drops below 32F, unprotected pipes are at a greater risk of freezing and potentially bursting. However, it is possible to thaw pipes without bursting by releasing pressure and allowing them to thaw slowly. To safely thaw water pipes, follow these tips:

How to unfreeze pipes outside a house?

To thaw frozen pipes quickly, use gentle heat to avoid cracking or melting due to the quick temperature change. If possible, locate the frozen section and warm it up using an electronic heating pad, hair dryer, or hot water-soaked towels. Apply the heat until water runs normally. If the blockage isn’t located, increase your home’s temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit by opening all cabinet and closet doors.

If pipes are in or above the garage, use space heaters to heat up that space, but keep them away from flammable materials. If the blockage isn’t located, increase the temperature in enclosed spaces and keep heaters away from anything potentially flammable.