Frozen water pipes are a nuisance, and repairing them is expensive. Here are some ways to prevent them from freezing, and thaw those that are frozen.
Steps
Step 1. Isolate all water pipes from moving cold air, and keep them dry
Locate the central water tap in case you need it. There are often leaks if the tube is thawed.
Step 2. Use heating tape wrapped around the tubes, or a heating lamp in an enclosed, dry space
On cold nights, check the light to see if it works. The heating band works by means of a built-in thermostat. To work, the tape must be wrapped between the pipe and the insulation. Some of these tapes do not allow you to put insulation on them. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3. If there is no electricity, or if it is blown, run the water, no faster than a steady trickle; it costs less than repairs
At first it starts with a slow trickle from the hot water side on the tap, then a faster trickle from the cold water side. There is no need to let a lot of water go down. Bathrooms can be cold, as long as they are not frozen.
Step 4. Remember to insulate and heat drain pipes in cold cavities and basements
Again, a heating lamp aimed at the neck of the exhaust will keep it from freezing, if it is also protected from moving cold air by an insulating box you can build yourself.
Step 5. To thaw a frozen tube, first check the tube in the area where it is frozen
Some plastic or copper pipes will crack, flooding the area when you thaw them. If the hose looks broken or has a crack, call a plumber. If the pipe is all metal, it can be thawed by connecting a soldering iron to the pipe on both sides of the frozen zone. After a while it will start working again. It's like connecting the starter cables to the car battery, but not much longer cables.
Step 6. It is much better to heat the area around the frozen area with an electric hot air fan, a hair dryer or a heating lamp with a reflector, to prevent a fire
Be careful when setting up heat generators. They can create high temperatures which could cause certain materials to burn. Never leave these devices without anyone controlling them, even for a short time, when using them. If this is a problem, call the plumber. Some people don't get angry if you watch them, as long as you stay calm and don't get in their way.
Step 7. Always unplug the water hose from the outdoor tap in the winter, or before the temperature in your area drops below freezing
The water in the rubber hose can freeze, freezing will go up to the tap and then reach the pipes. If you have PVC plastic pipes leading to the faucet, they will crack.
Step 8. Use a temperature controlled hot water recirculation valve operated by thermal convection (which does not require electricity to operate) to continuously circulate warm water in the hot and cold water pipes, whenever the temperature drops below the level chosen by the user
Unlike the heating tape which only heats the pipes, this process circulates the water without interruption, to prevent crystallization and freezing no matter where the pipes are hidden. Note: this method requires the valve to be installed at a higher level (2nd-3rd floor) than the water heater. Continuously circulating water will increase your bill. Whenever you don't want the water to circulate, remove the valve.
Step 9. Use a product called ICE LOC which prevents pipe rupture by absorbing the expansion of frozen water
It is an elastomer that adapts to the pipes at critical points.
Step 10. Use a RedyTemp, a device that uses an internal probe in contact with water to control the temperature inside the pipes
Depending on the temperature you set on the appliance dial, it will intermittently circulate the water in both the cold and hot water pipes, until it reaches the set temperature and maintains it. The intermittent circulation usually leads to a circulation of 5 minutes per hour, therefore it requires a much smaller amount of water heating, compared to the continuous demand of the thermostatic valves. The Redytemp installation optimizer is a DIY project, and takes twenty minutes to install under a sink. Disconnect one of the existing pipes that bring water to the tap and connect it to the RedyTemp. Connect the two connection pipes to the tap that are supplied with the appliance. Plug the unit into an electrical outlet and set the desired temperature. Users can evaluate the effectiveness of the set temperature by opening the cold water tap and testing the temperature of the water coming out of the tap, and adjust accordingly. Optimal temperature occurs when room temperature or fresh water is held in the cold water pipes, or in the section that needs protection. The RedyTemp's low intermittent power consumption of 40 watts / 0.52 amps allows it to use an uninterrupted power source, for continuous protection when power fails. Owners of tankless water heaters need a RedyTemp model TL4000 instead model ATC3000 shown in the illustration. In the season when circulation is not required, users simply regulate the temperature to a lower degree.
Advice
- If you hire someone to do these things, ask questions and expect answers. You are paying them.
- Consider calling a licensed plumber if you are unsure about the steps outlined in this article.
- If they say they don't guarantee the job, ask who can and call them. Refuse to pay if the job isn't done right.
Warnings
- If this seems too difficult, ask for help. Better to play it safe than repent later.
- DO NOT use any kind of open flame, it could cause the pipes to burst.
