In the Atlanta, Georgia area where we live we don’t often get many days of freezing temperature but that doesn’t mean we don’t get any! So, protecting your vulnerable pipes from freezing is something that we should all pay attention to. You can read more about what to do in our article How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Winter.

Generally speaking, if the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and there’s water in your pipes, they will freeze.

How Do You Unfreeze Pipes?

First things first – turn off the water supply to your home.

Safety – DO NOT USE A PROPANE TORCH to thaw the pipe. Instead, use a space heater, a heat lamp or a hair dryer to thaw the pipe. Then wrap it in thermostatically controlled heat tape.

This method should help you to thaw your pipes quickly but we still recommend that you keep checking them for the possibility of any leaks.

Will Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own?

Technically, yes but the problem is that the longer you leave the pipe frozen, the higher the chances of them bursting. So, although you can leave the pipes alone to thaw out, it’s best to try to “unfreeze” them as quickly as possible.

How Do You Thaw Frozen Pipes Quickly?

So, you’ve identified the fact that you have frozen pipes in your house. Now what can you do to thaw them out as quickly as possible?

  • First things first – turn off the water supply to your home.
  • Safety – DO NOT USE A PROPANE TORCH to thaw the pipe
  • Instead, use a space heater, a heat lamp or a hair dryer to thaw the pipe
  • Then wrap it in thermostatically controlled heat tape

This method should help you to thaw your pipes quickly but we still recommend that you keep checking them for the possibility of any leaks.

How Long Does It Take For Pipes To Unfreeze?

The length of time it takes for pipes to unfreeze depends on the thickness of the pipe, the thickness of the insulation and the temperature in the room or outdoor area. It can take up to 24 hours for a frozen water pipe to completely thaw out.

How Do You Tell If Pipes Are Frozen?

Of course, the best way to prevent freezing pipes is to make sure there is proper insulation.

But, you may not be aware of the level of insulation (or lack of) in your sewer pipes so here are some tips on how you can identify if your sewer pipes have frozen.

  • Any sign of water puddles (big or small) are normally an indication that there’s a crack in a pipe nearby.
  • If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your pipes, then something is not right – if the temperature has gone down below freezing – your pipes may have frozen.
  • Any foul smell coming from your drainage system is also an indication that there’s either a severe clog causing a backup or a crack in the pipe.
  • If you can see frost on your pies – that’s definitely a sign that your pipe has frozen.
  • if you aren’t getting any water when you turn your faucet on – and the temperature has dipped down below 32 degrees – well that’s also a tell tale sign that your pipes may have frozen.

If you have any questions about your plumbing system or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.