Thawing Frozen Pipes – Part Four

Frozen pipes are never good news, but not an uncommon issue for home and business owners alike. If the frozen pipe is under a sink, and thus easy to access, thawing it yourself may be very feasible option. However, if your frozen pipe is enclosed or behind a wall, it creates a more challenging situation. If this is the type of issue you are facing, below you’ll find a few options to help alleviate the issue.

Turn Up Your Thermostat. While it’s not 100% guaranteed, turning up the temperature in the home or building is a viable option. Be prepared for this to be a slow process.

Use an Infrared Lamp. If you know where in the wall the frozen pipe is located, you can attempt to thaw the blockage by placing an infrared lamp in front of the portion of the wall where the pipe is located. The heat from the lamp may be able to penetrate the wall and allow the pipe to defrost.

Cut Open the Wall. Though it’s a last resort, it’s sometimes a necessary one. To get to the frozen pipe, you’ll need to assess the location of the frozen pipe as precisely as possible and then mark the location to open. Then, using drywall tools, cut the wall open so that you can use one of the above methods to thaw your frozen pipes.

Call a Professional. If you are uncomfortable with or unable to thaw your frozen pipes, you should always call a professional. They are trained in handling these issues and can not only assess the situation, but handle any other related issues that may occur.

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