Fire Safety: Don’t Use a Blow Torch to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Fire Safety: Don’t Use a Blow Torch to Thaw Frozen Pipes

woman trying to turn on frozen pipeWe’ve seen some very cold weather here in the north east. As a reminder, we want to leave you with a few tips to avoid frozen pipes. When a pipe freezes, the water expands causing pipes to break or burst. This can cause extensive water damage to your home.

  1. Remember to leave your thermostat up if you are gone for the day or weekends.
  2. Open all cabinetry with pipes behind it. This will allow heat to get to these pipes and prevent freezing
  3. Continually run your faucets so water is moving in your pipes. Even a small trickle can prevent frozen pipes.

If your pipes have already frozen, you may be able to thaw your pipes. Look for exposed pipes under sinks, along the exterior of your house or in the basement. Usually it is a room with little heat. If you cannot find the frozen pipe, it may be behind a wall and you will need to call a professional for help.

thawing frozen pipe with hair dryerIf you are able to find your frozen pipe, open the faucet before you start the thawing process. This will help relieve the pressure once the blockage is cleared. The easiest wat to thaw a pipe is with a hair dryer. Simply point the dryer on the pipe, beginning at the portion closest to the faucet. NEVER use an open flame or blow torch to thaw frozen pipes.

When using heat to thaw a frozen pipe, there is always a risk of fire so it is important to take the proper safety precautions. Every home should have a properly working fire extinguisher. Never leave heat sources unattended and with electrical products, be careful around water.

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