Freezing of pipes

How to thaw a frozen pipe at home

Finland's cold winters can pose challenges for water pipelines. Freezing of pipes is particularly common in older or poorly insulated buildings. Pipes in new buildings may also freeze in some cases. When a pipe freezes, the water stops flowing and the pressure inside the pipe increases. If not handled correctly, frozen pipes can burst, causing water damage and expensive repair costs. 

It is also possible to thaw frozen pipes at home. However, it is important to take safety into account and use the right methods.

Thawing of frozen pipe

Warm towel: If the pipe is easily accessible, soak the towel in warm (not boiling) water and wrap it around the pipe. This method works particularly well with metal pipes, as the heat is transferred evenly to the inside of the pipe. When the towel cools down, moisten it again with warm water. This method is slow but safe, especially with plastic pipes.

Warm water: use only lukewarm water, which can be poured around the pipe or used in a spray bottle. Remember, however, that boiling water can damage the pipe material and lead to cracking.

With a hairdryer. If the plastic water pipe runs inside the protective tube, the hair dryer may be able to melt the water. Blow warm air into the gap between the pipe and the protective tube from a distance of about 20 cm. Do not use a hairdryer for defrosting in houses with metal pipes.

What to do if the defrost fails?

If the pipe cannot be fused using the above methods, you should contact a plumber or other professional. They have more powerful equipment, such as steamers and thawing machines, which can safely thaw hard-to-freeze pipes.

Prevention of freezing

It is worth preventing freezing problems in advance, especially if the plumbing in the property is old or the pipes run in cold rooms. Here are a few tips for prevention:

Insulate pipes: pipes, especially those near exterior walls, should be effectively insulated from the cold. You can use insulating foam or insulation shields, which are easily available from hardware stores. Insulation prevents heat escaping and protects the pipe from cold air flow.

Maintain the temperature in cold spaces: if the pipes are located in cold spaces such as a basement or attic, keep these spaces at least slightly heated during the winter. Even a few degrees difference in temperature is enough to prevent freezing.

Use heating cables: in some problematic places, such as particularly cold areas or outdoor pipes, it can be a good idea to use heating cables. They keep the pipe warm and prevent freezing. However, remember that heating cables must be installed carefully and correctly.

Keep a small flow of water overnight during the hardest frosts: if it's a particularly cold night and you know that your house's plumbing is prone to freezing, you can leave the tap slightly open. A small, constant flow will prevent water from freezing and pressure from building up in the pipe.

Thawing and preventing frozen pipes requires precision and the right tools, but when the process is done calmly and safely, home projects can help keep pipes intact and functioning through the cold season.

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