Thawing Frozen water pipes.

Frozen water pipes are a huge problem. Knowing how to thaw frozen water pipes before damage is too severe could save you hundreds or thousands of dollar. Below are some general instructions for learning how to thaw frozen water pipes. We also included a) diagnostic checks for damage and b) steps for repairing damage.

General instructions for thawing frozen pipes:

1. Identify the location of the frozen pipe. It is often found near an exterior wall or where the water supply enters the home.
2. Determine the extent of the freeze. If only a small portion of the pipe is frozen, thawing it may be sufficient. If the entire pipe is frozen, it will need to be thawed slowly to prevent it from bursting.
3. Shut off the water supply to the pipe. This will prevent any water in the pipe from spilling out once it thaws.
4. Carefully apply heat to the frozen area using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. Do not use an open flame or a torch to thaw the pipe, as this can be dangerous.
5. Keep the faucet open while the pipe is thawing. This will help to relieve pressure in the pipe and will allow the water to flow more easily once the pipe is thawed.
6. Check the pipe periodically to see if the water is flowing. If the water flow has not resumed, continue applying heat until the pipe is fully thawed.

How to diagnose potential damage:

1. Once the pipe is thawed, check for any visible signs of damage such as cracks, splits, or bulges.
2. Turn the water supply back on and run the faucet to check for any leaks.
3. If the pipe is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

Repairing frozen pipe damage:

1. If the pipe is leaking at a joint, try tightening the joint if the pipes are joined by a mechanical union using pipe-repair clamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. If the pipe is damaged beyond the joint, cut out the damaged section using a pipe cutter and replace it with a new section of pipe.
3. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to hire a professional plumber to repair or replace the damaged pipe.

Note: If you are not comfortable performing these tasks or if you are unsure of how to proceed, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumber to repair the damaged pipes.

Repairing copper pipes:

1. Cut out the damaged section of the copper pipe using a pipe cutter.
2. Clean the ends of the pipe using a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any burrs or debris.
3. Place a copper slip coupling over one end of the pipe and slide it down until it is flush with the end of the pipe.
4. Place a small amount of soldering flux on the inside of the coupling and on the end of the pipe.
5. Heat the coupling and pipe with a propane torch until the flux starts to sizzle.
6. Apply a steady stream of lead-free solder to the joint, starting at the center and working your way outward. If the solder does not melt when touching the coupling / pipe, it needs further heat. Never apply direct heat to the solder. The temperature of the heated pipe is meant to melt the solder, not direct flame.
7. Wipe the excess solder away with a damp cloth.
8. Allow the joint to cool for a few minutes before turning the water supply back on.
9. Check for leaks.

Repairing PVC pipes:

1. Cut out the damaged section of the PVC pipe using a PVC cutter or a hacksaw.
2. Clean the ends of the pipe using a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any burrs or debris.
3. Apply a small amount of PVC primer to the ends of the pipe and inside the coupling.
4. Slide the coupling over one end of the pipe and push it down until it is flush with the end of the pipe.
5. Apply a small amount of PVC cement to the inside of the coupling and to the end of the pipe.
6. Push the pipe into the coupling until it is fully seated.
7. Hold the pipe in place for a few seconds to allow the cement to set.
8. Repeat this process for the other end of the pipe.
9. Allow the cement to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer before turning the water supply back on.

What do I do if the water meter is dripping after thawing?

If the water meter is dripping after thawing a frozen pipe, it is likely that there is a small crack or hole in the pipe that is causing the water to leak. To repair this issue, you will need to locate the source of the leak and patch or replace the damaged section of the pipe.

Typically, a broken water meter requires the water company to come out and replace it.

Here are some additional steps to take:

1. Turn off the water supply to the pipe. This will stop the flow of water and prevent any further damage.
2. Locate the source of the leak by looking for any visible signs of damage such as cracks, splits, or bulges. You may also need to inspect the entire length of the pipe to find the source of the leak.
3. Once you have located the source of the leak, determine the best course of action for repair. If the damage is minor, you may be able to patch it using a pipe repair clamp or a patch kit. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to cut out the damaged section of the pipe and replace it with a new section.
4. Follow the appropriate steps for repairing the type of pipe you are working with. If you are not comfortable performing the repair yourself or if you are unsure of how to proceed, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumber to repair the damaged pipe.
5. Once the repair has been completed, turn the water supply back on and check for any further leaks. If the leak has been properly repaired, the water meter should no longer be dripping. If the leak persists, you may need to perform additional repairs or call a plumber for assistance.

If the water meter is dripping but the pipe itself is not, it is possible that there is a problem with the water meter itself. In this case, you should contact your local water company for assistance. They will be able to send a technician to assess the issue and determine the cause of the leak.

While you are waiting for the water company to arrive, you can take the following steps to minimize any potential damage:

1. Turn off the main water supply to your home. This will stop the flow of water and prevent any further damage.
2. Locate the main water shut-off valve, which is typically located near the water meter. If you are unable to find it, consult your local water company for assistance.
3. If the water meter is leaking due to a malfunction, the water company will be able to repair or replace it as needed.
4. Once the repair has been completed, turn the water supply back on and check for any further leaks. If the leak has been properly repaired, the water meter should no longer be dripping. If the leak persists, you may need to perform additional repairs or call the water company or a plumber for assistance.