How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

A frozen pipe doesn’t have to mean major trouble. You can keep your water flowing all winter long.

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You Will Need

  • A hair dryer or portable heater

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Open all faucets

    Open all of your faucets to see if any water flows. If it does, run warm water through the pipes. This can help thaw a frozen spot in the pipes.

  2. Step 2

    Locate the frozen spot

    If no water flows, locate the most likely spots where pipes might freeze.

  3. Check unheated basements, crawl spaces, and points where pipes run outside.

  4. Step 3

    Heat the frozen spot

    Open the faucets in the house. Use a hair dryer or a portable heater to warm the frozen spot. After a few minutes, water should flow freely.

  5. Did you know?Umiat, Alaska, is the coldest spot in the United States, with an average temperature of 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

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