The pipes in your home can freeze in cold weather. This can leave you with no water or cause your pipes to burst, leading to expensive property damage. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department recommends that the safest way to thaw frozen water pipes is to obtain the service of a qualified plumber or others qualified in this field.

The following safety tips are recommended to the homeowner should they wish to thaw their own pipes. If your pipes freeze:

1. Shut off the water immediately. Don’t attempt to thaw the frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
2. Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe.
3. Never use an open flame such as a blow torch to thaw pipes. This will create a fire hazard as well as severe risk of exposure to carbon monoxide.
4. Use a certified electric heat tape on the pipe and wait for the water to thaw.
5. Use an electric hair dryer to blow warm air directly on the suspected frozen area.
6. Apply heat until water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.