One of the most cumbersome and difficult task that comes with winters is defrosting the frozen pipes. Waiting can result in broken pipes and hence, defrost them as soon as possible. Besides defrosting, you can also take preventive measures so that the pipes do not freeze. Prevention can cut down the cost of repairing and the hard work of defrosting the pipes.
Outside fittings should be maintained properly as they are directly exposed to the cold. Make some preparation to keep the pipes warm. This can be done with the help of heaters alongside the fittings. Moreover a running tap opposes the freezing process of water. The tap should be running at a slow rate so as to prevent water wastage.
You should be proactive when it comes to the detection of frozen pipes. The frozen pipes can easily be detected. For example, if the water is not draining from the pipes and from the faucet also then a frozen pipe may be responsible.
One of the other methods includes wrapping hot towels around the frost pipes. To make this effective, we require a team of two or three persons. They soak the towels in the bucket which is filled with hot water and then ring out the water. Now, wrap towels on different areas of the frozen pipes. If the towel gets cool again then soak it in hot water, ring out and wrap it around the frost pipe to maintain heat.
While putting towels on pipes, remember not to overheat a section. Such a practice can burst off the pipe. The reason behind the bursting of pipe is rapid change in temperature of the pipe.
You can also use the blow-dryer to defrost the frozen pipes. By blowing the hot air from blow-dryer straight on the frozen pipe, the pipe can be defrosted quickly. While blowing, make sure that a single spot is not targeted. In case the blow-dryer is not available then heat gun can be used as an alternative.
It is very much possible that frost would crack down. Hence, check for such cracks while the thawing is in process. Fix the cracks if possible. Otherwise, replace it with a new one.
Make sure to prevent your pipes during winters such that the cost of repairing can be cut down.
Those seeking expert information on all aspects of plumbing can rely on author, John Borden, a respected author specializing in plumbing. He has been writing on the subject for many years. For expert information on baseboard heater noise (click here) and why the shower hot water runs out (click here), visit eLocalPlumbers.com.
