DIY Network

Thawing a Frozen Pipe Learn how to use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe. From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-301

In this segment, host Ed Del Grande explains how to thaw a frozen pipe.

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Pipes can freeze-up in really cold temperatures if not properly insulated. When this happens, you'll need to quickly thaw the frozen pipe to avoid it bursting.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Thawing a Frozen Pipe:

1. Locate the most likely place the pipe is frozen.

2. Open up the closest valve or faucet to the frozen area (figure A).

3. Get a small bucket of hot water and some wash cloths. Dip a wash cloth into the hot water, and then lay it on the frozen pipe (figure B). Keep switching out the wash cloths so that they're always hot.

4. Once you see water begin to trickle out of the valve or faucet, get a hair dryer. Place the hair dryer below the pipe so that the heat will radiate all around the pipe (figure C). It's very important that you don't get too close to the pipe or hold the hair dryer in one place for too long. This could damage the pipe, so keep it moving.

5. Work from the valve back, keeping the hair dryer a few inches from the pipe.

6. Once water starts coming out of the faucet, turn it off and check for leaks.

RESOURCES :

North Sea Resins, a Division of MedHesives, Inc.
Website: www.northsearesins.com