How To Unfreeze A Drain Pipe 2021 Fixed (2024)

Congratulations. Your drain pipe has become a popsicle.

Wrap the frozen pipe in electrical heating tape. This is highly effective, but Ensure the tape is rated for the type of pipe (plastic vs. metal) you have. how to unfreeze a drain pipe 2021

If multiple drains in your house are gurgling or draining slowly, the waste stack vent on your roof may be capped with ice. Safely climb to the roof and pour a gallon of hot water down the vent stack to clear the frost. Congratulations

While most homeowners obsess over supply pipes bursting, frozen drain pipes are the sneaky villains of deep winter. They don’t spray water everywhere (yet), but they can crack fittings, trap wastewater, and turn your home into a stinky ice rink. This is highly effective, but Ensure the tape

If you’ve tried the above methods without success, or if you see any signs of a burst pipe (cracks, bulging, or leaks), stop immediately and call a licensed plumber.

Have a helper run a hairdryer on the pipe while you run hot tap water into the drain (see Method 5). The combination works faster.

Electric heat tape can both thaw and prevent future freezes.