Methods to Eliminate Frost from Faucets
Snowfall can always be a delight, but persistent cold weather brings its own set of problems. You might find that a pipe has frozen when you turn on the water valve on a cold winter morning. The thought of the damage to the building’s facilities and the cost of replacing pipes can be troubling. Here are some methods to thaw and remove the ice from pipes, which might help avoid additional expenses.
Identifying the Freezing Point Before Thawing Frozen Pipes
You can suspect parts of the pipe are frozen if water drips from the tap or if there is no water flow during the cold season. Initially, the frozen pipe needs to be identified using various methods. Identifying ice formation in exposed pipes is much easier than in concealed pipes, and often the ice blockage can be located without causing damage.
By touching different sections of the pipe or using a thermometer, you can identify areas with lower temperatures. Additionally, frozen sections of the pipe might be swollen and recognizable along the length of the pipe. You can also detect the ice blockage by tapping on different sections of the pipe, noticing changes in sound. Identifying the precise location of the frozen section in concealed pipes is difficult and requires proper equipment and expertise.
One of the easiest and best ways to thaw plastic and metal pipes is by opening the water valve. After identifying the frozen section, open the nearby valve to let the water flow gradually exert pressure and melt the ice.
Thawing Pipes with a Warm Towel
Applying heat to the sections of the pipe that are frozen is another practical method. You can warm towel cloths and repeatedly place them on the pipe. However, avoid using hot water for this purpose, as sudden temperature changes can cause the frozen pipe to burst.
Thawing Pipes with a Hair Dryer
In some cases, due to the significant amount of ice in the pipe, using a warm towel might be time-consuming and impractical. In such situations, you can use a hair dryer to clear the passage for water in the pipe. As mentioned, the temperature change should not be sudden, so keep the hair dryer about 10 cm away from the pipe. Additionally, you can use a heater in the room or near the frozen section to gradually increase the temperature and thaw the pipe.
Thawing Pipes with Heating Tape
If the previous methods are not effective, you can purchase heating tapes to solve the problem. Heating tapes have elements that can be wrapped around the frozen pipe, and the end can be plugged into an electrical outlet. When connected to power, the tape transfers heat to the pipes, gradually melting the ice.
Methods to Prevent Freezing of Plastic and Metal Pipes
Frozen water pipes can not only block water flow but also cause the pipes to burst, leading to significant dampness and moisture in the walls and floors of the building. Therefore, with the onset of cold weather and sudden temperature drops, it’s crucial to take several measures to prevent pipes from freezing:
- The best way to prevent freezing of meters and exposed pipes in outdoor spaces is to cover them with insulating fibers like fiberglass. In the absence of fiberglass, thick cloths can be used to cover the water valves, pipes, and meters thoroughly.
- Since flowing water does not freeze, leaving the tap slightly open can prevent freezing in winter and cold weather. Allowing water to drip from the tap can prevent ice formation.
- Close the garage and rooms in the yard to prevent cold air from entering. Keeping the garage, yard rooms, or outdoor restrooms warm can prevent future issues.
- To prevent the meter from freezing, it’s best to cover its vent with insulating cloths.
- Increase the temperature of the house and rooms to a comfortable level. Turning on the heater and heating systems warms the walls, preventing both concealed and exposed pipes from freezing.
Source: Mashreghnews
