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bjcoyne · Jan 9, 2010, 02:50 AM

My bathroom is near an outside wall , every year the pipes freeze, but usually they become unthawed with the heat turned up. My husband just recently passed away, leaving me to learn how todo things on my own. My problem is the drain is frozen as well as my hot water pipes, I've used a spaceheater for about 2-3 hours, as well as turned up the heat the temp. outside is not helping ethier its -20 below windchill. I really need some help quick. Thanks& godbless

notgoodenough02 · Jan 9, 2010, 03:28 AM

Keep the heat turned up, and I suggest, though it doesn't help you this year, getting your pipes insulated, so they are less likely to freeze. And If possible turn off the water when it gets that cold, to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes. (this may or may not be possible depending on how your pipes are set up. I suggest giving a plumber a call, and asking the rigth questions :))

massplumber2008 · Jan 9, 2010, 06:27 AM

Hi Bjcoyne...

Sounds like you are doing the most that you can here... ;) I would also suggest that you OPEN ALL FAUCETS so that when the water pipes thaw they can use the pressure/heat in the water pipes to continue to thaw out the pipes. Once a drip starts you know things are getting getting ready to unfreeze.

You could also use a hair dryer to heat the water pipe(s) as copper pipe is a great conductor of heat and that will help get the heat behind the wall... just don't let the hairdryer on for too long at one time or the hair dryer element could burn out. AGain, the faucets must be in the open position when doing this.

Finally, I wouldn't insulate any water lines in this case as suggested by notgoodenough (sorry NGE)... insulation in this circumstance will only lead to a burst pipe. I would, however, agree with notgoodeneough that it is a good idea to call a plumber in to evaluate the situation. It could be that you could have some heat wire wrapped around the pipe and then have the pipes insulated to fix this... could be. But insulation alone just increases the rate that a freeze up can oocur... especially on the hot water lines.

If notgoodenough wants to discuss insulation and when/when not to use, just let me know...OK?

Let us know if you want to discuss this further...

MARK