There are some right ways and wrong ways to thaw frozen pipes. Wrong ways to thaw frozen pipes include using open flame, a blowtorch or a propane heater. Open flames present a fire hazard to the home, propane heaters may result in exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, and using a blowtorch can cause the pipe to burst with hot boiling water steaming out. The Red Cross recommends that all of these methods should absolutely be avoided.

Frozen pipes are mostly common in areas that are not typically cold. Areas with very cold temperatures and lots of snow tend to have well insulated piping. More temperate areas may have pipes outdoors and are thus exposed. One can prevent winter headaches by properly insulating pipes and relocating pipes when possible to warmer areas under a home or in a garage. This helps most people avoid the frozen pipe issue completely should an unusual cold snap occur.

The easiest way to thaw frozen pipes is to open the water sources in the house. If one pipe is frozen, this may mean several are frozen. Turn on the cold water taps, and if even a trickle comes out of the tap, this can help thaw frozen pipes. This is because water coming into the pipes will be above freezing temperature and will break down frozen water. Once the taps are exhibiting a full flow of water, the pipes are no longer frozen. One may want to allow a trickle of cold water to drip during the night to keep pipes from freezing again.

If there is no water coming from the pipes, you must locate the area where the pipes are frozen. If you are not sure, you may want to contact a plumber. Guessing and applying heat to the wrong area can result in damaged piping.

When you can locate the frozen area, you have several options to thaw frozen pipes. You can wrap a heating blanket around the frozen area, or many recommend simply using a blow dryer. If it is wet as well as cold outside, you should call a plumber, since using electricity around a wet pipe can be dangerous.

The cold water taps should be on while you thaw frozen pipes with a heating pad or blow-dryer, and someone should watch the taps to let the person using the blow-dryer know when they are thawed. In most cases, a few minutes with a blow-dryer will thaw frozen pipes and restore your water flow.

If you live in a traditionally cold area and pipes are exposed, you may have to thaw frozen pipes on a regular basis. Perhaps the best investment you can make is relocation or insulation of the pipes to prevent what may become a daily hassle. When in doubt about your safety in attempting to thaw frozen pipes, your safest choice is always to contact a professional. You may even be able to watch the professional plumber’s method, so you can employ it in the future.