When water suddenly stops flowing down a sink, tub, or toilet, your first instinct is probably to reach for a plunger or a bottle of drain cleaner. But if you live in a cold climate, there’s another possibility that requires a very different solution: a frozen drain pipe.
If you suspect a frozen pipe is located deep inside a wall, or if you see a bulge in the line, and call a plumber. A frozen pipe is a plumbing emergency; a clog is usually just an inconvenience. is my drain clogged or frozen
A misdiagnosis can turn a minor fix into an expensive repair. If you try the heat method and nothing changes after 20 minutes, you probably have a deep clog—not a freeze. When water suddenly stops flowing down a sink,
This relieves pressure and helps the thawing process once the ice begins to melt. A frozen pipe is a plumbing emergency; a
Here is how to diagnose the issue and get your plumbing flowing again. 1. Check the Thermometer The most obvious clue is the weather.
Do not use a torch or open flame. Instead:
If you can see the pipes (under the sink or in the basement), look for visible frost on the exterior of the copper or PVC.