by Deborah Percy

Created on: October 18, 2009   Last Updated: April 16, 2011

To thaw a water pipe safely the pipe should be warmed slowly in order to avoid damaging the pipe. The joints are particularly at risk of splitting from the expansion of frozen water and any sudden changes in temperature.

Before beginning to thaw the pipework it would be advisable to identify all main stopcocks so that the water can be shut off quickly in the event of a burst pipe or leak.

The first step is to open any taps or faucet at the end of the frozen pipework so that thawed water can run through. 

If the frozen pipe is inside a house or structure then a convection or fan heater may be used. It can be placed close to the frozen pipe and directed towards it. A hair drier will work just as well. The principle is the same for external pipe work though it may be difficult to use electrical appliances outside given weather conditions, extension leads and plug socket locations.

On metal pipe work it is perfectly acceptable for a competent and experienced person to use a blow torch if the equipment is available.

In order to use a blow torch safely the following should be noted:

1. The area surrounding the frozen pipework should be assessed for flammable materials,

2. The torch should be used on its lowest possible setting to avoid damaging the pipes,

3. Someone should stay in the area for at least an hour afterwards to ensure a fire does not start.

There is a risk of starting a fire with a blow torch, especially by inexperienced users. One of the most likely areas of a home for this to happen would be the loft space or attic for the following reasons:

* dry exposed timbers;

* dust, debris and stored goods;

* combustible loft insulation materials.

It is important to thaw frozen water pipes safely because of the following risks:

1. if the pipe has been damaged by the expansion of frozen water, when thawed the water will leak through the fracture;

2. the pipe or joints could be damaged by the thawing process;

3. other damage could be caused by the thawing process (e.g. fire);

4. water rushing from the damaged pipe will cause far greater damage to the building and contents.

In order to thaw a water pipe safely one must be prepared to take a little time and pay attention to the surroundings.

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