Best for exposed copper or galvanized steel drain pipes.
2021 Update: Add a spoonful of salt to the hot water. Salt lowers the freezing point of water and can accelerate thawing by 15-20%.
Use when you cannot access the pipe directly (e.g., pipe inside a wall). how to unfreeze a drain pipe 2021
2021 Insight: For vertical drain pipes (e.g., from a second-floor sink), pour the solution carefully to avoid splashing. Use a funnel.
If you’ve tried gentle heat for 2 hours and the pipe remains frozen: Best for exposed copper or galvanized steel drain pipes
Emergency plumbers in 2021 are busier than ever (thanks, COVID staffing shortages), but a frozen drain is worth the call before it becomes a flood.
Frozen main building drains or septic lines are a nightmare. Symptoms: All fixtures back up, and the toilet overflows when you run a washing machine. 2021 Update: Add a spoonful of salt to the hot water
Special steps for main drains: