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THAW FROZEN PIPES

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Contributed by: DR. SEAN REIF D.C. on 2/17/2007

Pipes that are full of water should be protected from freezing. If they are inside a heated house, they are safe unless the heat is off for a long time in freezing weather. However, if such a situation MIGHT EXIST, drain pipes to prevent them from freezing.

* Since water expands as it freezes, it can, AND WILL, split a pipe. Then, when the temperature rises and the ice melts, there is a WATER EMERGENCY ! ! !

Pipe should not run in exterior walls. If there ARE pipes there, insulate them. Pipes are often run in UNHEATED basements, crawl spaces, or in the attic. Insulate these pipes as well.

Thaw the frozen pipe SLOWLY. Open the nearest faucet on the frozen line. Begin thawing the pipe as close to the opened faucet as possible.

WARNING :: To begin to thaw the pipe ANYWHERE ELSE is DANGEROUS ! ! If the heat builds to a temperature to cause steam to form, it will build up pressure to cause the pipe to EXPLODE.

RULE :: Never heat a pipe so HOT that if can not be touched.

Thawing a pipe is a slow process that can not be hurried without RISK. Have patience with the task and it will be performed SAFELY.

The safest way to thaw frozen pipe are to open the faucets and turn the heat on and let the pipes thaw SLOWLY as the house heats.

If the pipes are not in house, electric heat tape can be used. Wrap the pipe with the tape, open the faucet, plug it in. Some tapes have a thermostat so that they will heat when the temperature gets to freezing. These can be left permanently on a troublesome section of pipe. OR, wrap a heating pad around a section.

Frozen pipes can be thawed with an electric hair dryer or electric heater. Heat lamps are effective if used safely. They can be used to thaw pipes INSIDE a wall or in the ceiling. Place the 6- 8- 10 inches away from the wall or ceiling. If near combustible material ( wallpaper, paint, wallboard ), protect it with a non-combustible shield.

* A PROPANE TORCH is dangerous. An asbestos sheet behind the pipe may prevent your house from being caught on fire. I wouldn't count on it. Have a fire extinguisher by your side. Make sure there is at least one escape route from the place it is being done. Never leave the torch unattended. Be careful the pipe does not get so hot that it cannot be touched. DANGER: Use as last resort !!

When the water begins to drip out of the faucet, LET IT RUN. The flow will increase as the thaw progresses. The flowing water is above freezing and will speed up the thawing process.

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Submitted By: DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

posted on 2/17/2007 @ 12:37:50 PM

Rated Story

Ignoring the problem is delaying the inevitable WATER EMERGENCY. You can do it yourself, just remember, heat slowly, don't catch anything on fire, don't heat to the point that you can't touch the pipe.

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DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

THORNTON , CO

DR. SEAN REIF D.C. has posted 1062 stories and 1229 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. DR. SEAN REIF D.C. 's average story rating is 3.03.

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