[Petercallan]

I had a frozen pipe somewhere because of the severe frost and only the main cold tap in the kitchen was working. It has since thawed a bit and now all cold taps are working fine and cold tank in attic is filling up again. Problem is there is no water coming from hot taps or showers. Help please...

[joypulv]

Start at the source of hot water and feel the pipes as far as you can, and follow them to see where they go. Open all faucets that are not putting out water. Get a cordless hair dryer and warm as many pipes as you can until they run.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Peter...

As hot water freezes BEFORE cold water freezes I am going to have to guess that you are lacking hot water because you still have a main hot water pipe that remains frozen, maybe?

Check the hot water pipe out of the water heating source. Here, feel the hot water outlet along its entire length and see just how cold it gets. If it getss colder and colder as you approach the outside walls, then you can be sure of more frozen pipes and will need to thaw them out.

To thaw out the pipes you need to open the hot water faucets so that when they unfreeze the water can drip freely and begin to loosen the freeze. If the faucets remain closed the pipes can thaw/freeze many times, OK?

Turn up the heat and if needed use a hair dryer or a paint stripper to heat the hot water pipes (again, faucets open) to help unfreezing speed along.

Questions? Let me know.

Mark

PS: Joypulv and I were posting at the same time. Clearly we both feel you have more frozen pipes... ;)

[Petercallan]

Hi Mark
Hot water pipe out seems to be OK. There has been a good thaw overnight and even the outside cold tap is now running. Still no hot water or showers but keeping a close eye on things.
Thanks for youe help and will keep you updated. Peter

[Petercallan]

Thanks Joypulv
Have turned the heat up and using a hairdrier. Opened all taps too... im hoping this clears up soon. Will keep you posted. Thanks

[Petercallan]

Mark / Joypulv
Would it be possible that I might have an air lock in the system after pipes had thawed? Thanks

[massplumber2008]

Hi Peter...

Not an airlock, but you could have clogged aerators and clogged shower heads. Sometimes when pipes freeze and then thaw they will carry sediment that was on the bottom of the pipes into the valves/faucets and clog everything up so check all above.

Mark