You can use table salt (or Epsom salt) and hot water to reduce the melting point of ice, which is an effective way to thaw water pipes. Many people have Epsom salt in the bathroom, so it is a good option when you need to unfreeze pipes, especially in freezing temperatures.
Why does salt help keep pipes from freezing?
Why does this work? According to Eastern Plumbing, adding salt to the water lowers the melting point of ice, meaning you can thaw your pipes that much more rapidly. But there are also some steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing in the first place.
How do you unfreeze a frozen drain pipe?
In most cases, you can unfreeze a frozen drainpipe by pouring hot water down it. Fill a pot with a half-gallon of water, and heat it on the stove. When it begins to boil, carefully remove it from the stove and slowly pour it down the drain.
How do you get salt out of a frozen water pipe?
You can try dissolving the salt in 1/2 cup (120 mL) of boiling water first, but this risks bursting the pipe with a sudden temperature change. Wrap the pipe in hot towels. Put on rubber gloves, and soak towels in hot water. Ring them out, then wrap them securely around the frozen section of pipe.
How do you thaw frozen pipes?
According to Eastern Plumbing, adding salt to the water lowers the melting point of ice, meaning you can thaw your pipes that much more rapidly. But there are also some steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing in the first place.
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10 Tricks to Thaw Frozen Pipes | Reader's Digest
The real disaster often occurs as the ice thaws and water flows freely into your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Here’s how to thaw frozen pipes to protect your house.