Wrap the heating pad around the frozen section of the pipe, taking care to cover the curved P-trap area if that is where the blockage is located. Set the pad to a medium heat setting and wait 20 to 30 minutes for the ice to melt. As with other methods, keep the faucet open and monitor for the return of water flow. Do not leave the heating pad unattended for extended periods.
Direct the heat at the pipe, starting closest to the sink drain and slowly moving down toward the frozen zone.
Set up a portable space heater in the enclosed area containing the frozen pipes.
Hair dryer
: Avoid using plungers or augers on frozen pipes, as the pressure can lead to structural breaks. When to Call a Professional
An ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of thawing. Here’s how to protect your drains next winter:
You can safely handle many frozen drain pipe situations yourself using the methods described in this guide. However, you should call a plumber immediately if: you see any visible cracks or damage to the pipe, you cannot locate the frozen section, the frozen pipe is inside a wall or otherwise inaccessible, your thawing attempts are unsuccessful after several hours, or you are uncomfortable performing any of these procedures.
Electric heat tape can both thaw and prevent future freezes.
Tapping or hitting a frozen pipe with a hammer can shatter the brittle, frozen material. Preventing Future Frozen Pipes
Before applying heat, you must find the exact location of the ice blockage.
