Winter storms and sudden temperature drops in 2021 caught many homeowners off guard. If you have a frozen drain pipe, it is critical to act quickly to prevent the pipe from bursting, which can cause significant water damage.
If you use a heat gun, keep it on the lowest setting and maintain a distance of at least 6 inches. 2021 saw a 30% increase in house fires from heat gun misuse.
: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even at night. Let Faucets Drip
A: 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on pipe length, material, and ice plug size. Cast iron takes longest; PVC thaws fastest.
If you can reach the frozen section of the pipe, use these safe tools to thaw it from the outside: How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe
Before you start, make sure the pipe is actually frozen and not just clogged.
