Translating…
Frozen pipes are being encountered more and more frequently because of colder winters. With scientists predicting more and more arctic like cold winters in the future, homeowners who fail to winterize will be seeing more and more frozen pipes. So what do you do if any or all of your plumbing pipes freeze up?
First off, because water expands when it freezes, a frozen plumbing pipe is in danger of bursting. When a burst pipe subsequently thaws, water will rush out through the break causing flooding. Consequently this is a plumbing emergency.
The first sign that the water in your pipe is starting to crystallize is a slowing of the flow through the faucet to a trickle. If you see this sign, immediately turn on that faucet’s hot and cold water and let it run continually. This will keep the tap from freezing up and even aid in the thawing process. Let the water run until it has returned to full flow.
If one or more faucets are without water, you need to make an accurate determination of where the blockage is and how many taps are affected. In very cold weather multiple sections of the plumbing pipes commonly become frozen. To make this determination, turn on all the faucets in your home.
If only one faucet has no water than the problem is local. If no water is coming out of multiple taps, then the blockage is in multiple segments. If no water at all is flowing in the house than most likely the main water line is affected, either where it enters the meter or before. Outdoor pipes are normally buried below the frost line. However, if an underground pipe has already frozen you probably can’t do anything about it until next year. When the warmer weather comes you will have to bury it deeper.
Once you have determined which faucet is affected, you need to determine exactly where the problem lies. Sections of piping that are filled with ice can usually be detected by feel. A frozen pipe segment will fell cold to the touch whereas a water carrying pipe will be 50 degrees after the water has run through it for 2 minutes. If you have an infrared thermometer, you can use it to locate the segments that are frozen.
Once you have located the frozen segments, and before you start thawing the pipe, be sure to turn off the water at the main. If the pipe has already burst, turning off the water will prevent flooding once it has sufficiently warmed to restore flow. At the same time, be sure to open the faucet of the pipe you are thawing. This is an important step because during the thawing process gases will be released, and might cause an explosion if they have nowhere to go. Watching for water to start dripping from the open spicket will allow you to monitor your progress.
There are several effective ways to thaw a pipe. You can wrap it in warm towels, pour hot water over it, use a space heater, a heat lamp, heat tape or a hair dryer. Whichever method you choose, it is important that you do it properly.
If you employ hot towels, be sure to wrap several layers around the effected segment of piping. Keep the towels warm by pouring hot water over them. If there are any electrical appliances nearby, be sure not to stand in a puddle of water.
A hair dryer is very effective in thawing pipes When using a dryer be sure to move it in an even motion around the pipe, not staying too long in any one area. Make sure you are not standing in a wet area when using the electrical appliance.
A space heater placed close to a pipe can also be quite effective. If the frozen pipe is under a sink next to an outer wall of your house, for example, open the cabinet doors and place the heater close to the cabinet. A space heater can be used in combination with other techniques and will keep the worker warm during the procedure.
Heat lamps also work well. When employing a heat lamp, be sure to keep it a foot away from the pipe being thawed. Be sure not to place it on a wet area, and make sure that water does not drip on the appliance.
Heat tape is also effective for thawing pipes. Heat tape is wrapped around the pipe and then plugged into the wall. As it warms up, it thaws the pipe slowly, which is good for wear and tear. Make sure the tape you are using is certified for use in mobile homes. Don’t double the heat tape over itself. This may lead to burning and malfunction of the product.
Avoid using a blow torch. This implement can melt and ruin plastic piping and can also lead to too rapid expansion of gases in a confined space, which can cause an explosion. And do not use externally applied heat anywhere near gas piping. If the section of pipe to be warmed is close to a gas containing pipe call in a professional plumber and leave the job to him.
Once water begins flowing out of the faucet and you have been able to ascertain that there are no leaks, reopen the main and keep the local tap open until the process of thawing is complete.