How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Without Bursting

Summer is officially over, even if temperatures up here in the beautiful Adelaide Hills don’t yet suggest that to be the case. That said, as winter inches closer, the mercury will drop and conditions will slowly get chillier. The cooler weather can affect our home plumbing systems, especially any exposed pipes, so knowing how to thaw frozen pipes will come in handy.

By knowing why pipes freeze, what to do when it happens and how to stop it in the first place, you can prevent avoidable bursts and save yourself from a plumbing emergency during cold weather. Something we’re certainly familiar with up in Mount Barker!

What Causes Pipes to Freeze?

The generally mild climate conditions in Australia mean that we’re less likely to experience frozen pipes than other parts of the world. But, given that our local region often sees temperatures fall a little lower than other parts of South Australia, it can’t hurt to understand how and why pipes freeze.

Basically, pipes freeze due to sustained exposure to below-freezing temperatures, particularly in unheated or uninsulated areas of the house. Ice begins to form when cold water freezes in your pipe. That ice expands and puts added pressure on the pipe walls. If that pressure gets too high, it can cause cracks or even a burst pipe. This is the last thing you want.

Plastic pipes are more prone to splitting than copper pipes. Low-flow water pipes and homes with poor insulation are the most vulnerable.

Signs You Have Frozen Pipes

Identifying the signs of frozen pipes early is the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home. Keep an eye out for these signs that your pipes have possibly frozen:

• No or low water pressure – Frozen pipes can result in little to no water flowing from your kitchen sink, bathroom taps or shower.
• Frost on exposed pipes – Check any crawl spaces, unheated areas and near the water meter for visible ice build-up.
• Gurgling or unusual noises – If you hear bubbling or whistling noises while running water, you may have ice blocking part of the pipe.
• Bulging or cracked pipes – Water expands as it freezes, which can cause pipes to swell or develop visible cracks.

Should you spot any of these signs, thaw frozen pipes as soon as possible before they burst and cause permanent damage.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

As you learn how to thaw frozen pipes, you’ll discover you’ll need patience and a methodical approach to avoid bursting and water damage. Do not use direct heat or open flames as they can weaken pipes and create a fire hazard. Instead, follow these safe thawing methods:

• Find the frozen area – Check in the more vulnerable areas of the house where ice starts to form.
• Open the cold tap – Get the cold water flowing. Cold running water, even a trickle, helps to melt ice inside the pipe.
• Apply heat gradually – Use a hair dryer, heat tape or a space heater to warm the affected area slowly (like we said… patience!).
• Wrap towels soaked in hot water – This helps transfer heat gently to thaw frozen pipes.
• Don’t use boiling water or a propane torch – Extreme heat can crack or burst plastic pipes. More on this later.

Taking a “slowly but surely” approach to the thawing process lowers the risk of lasting damage and gets water flowing again safely. Now that we’ve looked at how to safely thaw pipes, here’s what NOT to do.

Why You Should Never Use an Open Flame

Using an open flame to thaw frozen pipes is extremely dangerous and can do more harm than good to your pipes and home.

A propane torch, open flame or direct heat can damage or melt plastic pipes and increase the risk of a burst pipe and water damage. Even metal pipes can suffer permanent damage from sudden temperature changes and crack or leak. But the biggest risk is fire. Flammable materials near pipes, such as insulation or wooden framing, can catch fire and turn a small plumbing issue into a big disaster.

In the end, the safest approaches are those we touched on above. You’ll protect your water pipes and prevent permanent damage to your home.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Sometimes, knowing how to thaw frozen pipes is knowing when to call on the expertise of a licensed plumber. Sometimes, it is simply not a DIY job.

If you can’t find the frozen area, or your efforts to thaw frozen pipes don’t get the water flowing again, you’ll need a plumber. They can safely inspect your entire plumbing system and use specialist equipment to melt ice without causing damage. If a pipe starts to leak or you notice permanent damage like cracks or bulging, turn off the water supply and call an expert to prevent water damage. It’s also worth considering that you’re required by law in South Australia to use a licensed plumber if you end up altering any pipework.

A licensed plumber can also help insulate exposed pipes and advise on how to prevent pipes from freezing in the future. Speaking of …

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Future

Much like many areas of life, prevention is better than cure when it comes to knowing how to thaw frozen pipes. Preventing them from freezing in the first place is significantly easier than dealing with a burst pipe and the water damage that comes with it.

A few simple precautions can keep your water pipes safe during cold weather:

• Insulate exposed pipes – Wrap heat tape or foam insulation around pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas to keep them warm.
• Let the cold tap drip – A slow trickle of running water can prevent ice from forming inside pipes.
• Keep warm air circulating – Open cabinet doors to let heat reach any pipes near exterior walls.
• Seal gaps – Close off windows, doors and the water meter to keep cold air out.
• Maintain your water heater – A working hot water heater will give you warm water to prevent freezing.

Taking these steps will help stop pipes from freezing. They’ll also protect your entire plumbing system when those infamous Adelaide Hills cold snaps really kick in!

Keep Your Pipes Safe This Winter

Knowing how to thaw frozen pipes the right way can save you from a burst pipe and the water damage that comes with it.

Act fast when temperatures drop and use safe thawing methods – like a hair dryer, space heater or heat tape – to get water flowing without damaging your entire plumbing system. Don’t use direct heat sources like a propane torch as they’re a fire hazard and can damage plastic pipes. And lastly, call a licensed plumber if a pipe starts to leak or remains frozen after your DIY attempts.

Preventing frozen pipes by insulating and keeping water flowing will help to avoid future cold weather problems.

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