Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500172
06/24/03
Thawing Frozen Pipes
Water can freeze in pipes that pass through a cold
location. Water expands when it freezes. Unless the pipe
through which it runs also expands, it will burst.
Insulation gives a pipe some protection at low
temperatures but may not prevent freezing. To keep a pipe
from freezing, wrap electrical heating cable around it--
one turn every 2 feet--then cover the pipe with
insulation to conserve the heat. Plug in the cable when
the temperatures drops below freezing. The same cable
device can be used to thaw a pipe.
There are other effective thawing methods. One of
the best is pouring boiling water over rags wrapped
around the frozen pipe. Heating with a propane torch
works quickly, but take care that steam pressure does not
burst the pipe. Do not heat a pipe to a higher
temperature than your hand can stand. Be very careful not
to start a fire.
When thawing pipes with a heat lamp, hair dryer,
household iron, or propane torch, always work from an
open faucet toward the frozen area. This will keep steam
from being trapped by ice and bursting the pipe. With the
faucet open, you can see when the ice has melted. Do not
use un-grounded electrical appliances outdoors, or near
grounded water pipes. (Vis. 1)
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan
Extension bulletin Repairing Leaky Pipes.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .