How To Thaw Pipes In Attic

Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot.

How to thaw pipes in attic.

Put on rubber gloves and soak towels in hot water. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house. Any exposed pipes should be insulated using pipe sleeves heat cable or heat tape. A trickle of hot and cold.

The flowing water will prevent pipes from freezing. Use a space heater heat lamp or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Drain water from swimming pools and irrigation supply lines close valves supplying outdoor hose bibs then open exterior bibs to allow lines to drain check for any supply lines in unheated areas including the attic garage and in crawl spaces. Throw salt sand or soil into the water you spill in the path.

Replace with freshly soaked hot towels every 5 10 minutes until the pipe thaws. Wrapping towels soaked in hot water around the pipe or using a space heater to warm the surrounding area can help it thaw. Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. Pour your warm water onto the frozen hose valve until you can remove the hose.

The key is to know how your plumbing system works. Ring them out then wrap them securely around the frozen section of pipe. Frozen pipe will feel very cold while pipe with free flowing water will feel notably warmer. The small amount of water you waste is much less than the cost of a plumbing repair or the amount of water that will escape if a pipe bursts.

What to do if a pipe bursts. A heat gun is preferable to a hairdryer if you have one close at hand like a hairdryer on steroids. Open the door to the attic to allow warm air to move up if you have pipes in the attic. Don t thaw pipes using a propane torch which presents a fire risk.

Locate the frozen pipe the first step to thaw frozen pipes is to locate the section of pipe and turn off the local water supply to it. Again keep it moving. In this video house flipping brothers dave and rich show you how to thaw frozen pipes. Let water trickle from faucets.

Do not leave cold wet towels around the pipes. Keep pouring hot water over the open valve until water begins to flow. Heat the area until full water pressure is restored. Continue to pour warm water onto it until you can open and close the valve.

Do not overheat the pipe in the same spot but keep it moving over the surface like if you were spray painting. Where does the wate.