Thawing frozen pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle
of water comes out, it is safe to say that you
should suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the
suspected frozen area of the water pipe.
Likely places include pipes running against
exterior walls or where your water service
enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the
frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to
melt, water will begin to flow through the
frozen area. Running water through the
pipe will help to melt more ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an
electric heating pad wrapped around the
pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space
heater, or wrapping the pipes with towels
soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch,
kerosene or propane
heater, charcoal stove, or
other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water
pressure is restored. If you
are unable to locate the frozen area or if the
frozen area is not accessible, call a licensed
plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find
out if you have additional frozen pipes. If
one pipe freezes, others may too.