What to do if your Pipes do Freeze

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Ice inside a water line

With this recent extended cold spell throughout northeastern Pa., frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has responded to 2 home fires  in western Luzerne County these past two weeks because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.