This is a FAQ on Frozen Hot Water Pipes

Posted in frozen pipes | 8 Comments »

8 Responses

  1. BONNI Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am

    I know exactly what you mean. I am in Indiana and I am having the exact same problem. I have water dripping out of the faucets which help for the cold, but I still have no hot water either.
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  2. ijcoffin Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Be very cautious with that space heater as it has the capability of over heating and could start a fire.
    Can you run an electrical extension cord down there and set up 2 or 3, 60 watt bulbs.
    If you can access the pipes you could get foam insulators from the hardware store to cover them.
    Can you bank the outside of the basement walls to stop air flow into the crawl space.
    You are correct in your thinking, if the pipes freeze they will break. Letting the water run a bit can help also. Could be costly if you are on a water meter.
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  3. adnilcomplicated Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    keep the water dripping…and, go to the hardware store and, get those insulating tubes…they are very inexpensive.

    I really wish you well…take care
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  4. Kimberly H Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Space heater is good idea, for temp. use, but left on all the time can be a fire hazard. Can you get under the house to wrap pipes with cloth, and put in light bulbs?? (light bulbs put out a lot of heat for very little energy use, and yes let the cold water drip, running water can’t freeze, and hot water drip, will wear out your water heater faster, I live in Ks., don’t you just hate our winter so far?? And that mess on I35 on Tuesday, some friends got caught in it, stuck for like 3 hr.s Pipes are a problem this year.
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  5. enord Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    get a rremote thermometer from walmart=$20. u can see temp down under from remote unit.block wind from getting under house.insulation & or heat taape 4 pipes.just a fan blowing room air down into crawlspace may do the trick.u can tell after installing remote thermometer
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  6. les the painter Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    Heat tape, made for this purpose, inexpensive! Wrap around your pipe, plug it in and forget it. Very easy remedy, buy at any hardware store
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  7. Brian M Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    the first thing I would do is to go around the outside of the house and make sure there are no drafts coming in from cracks, pipe holes, wire holes, or vents. If you have vents in your foundation close them or block them off with something. Eliminating drafts will help considerably.

    secondly, if you use a forced air furnace for heat, you might be able to cut in a vent that will blow heat into the crawl space near where the freezing problem is. I don’t recommend the space heater and am not fond of heat tapes. Another option is to insulate the walls of your crawl space (if possible to move around in there) with 1 inch thick styrofoam insulation.

    You may be able to just get some pipe insulation, if you choose this option make sure you completely cover all exposed copper piping. copper pipe transfers temperature very rapidly, so even if you leave a small portion uncovered, it can still freeze if it gets a draft. seal the insulation with duct tape.

    if you’re only having a freezing problem in certain areas, chances are this is the best place to start looking for drafts from the foundation.

    expanding foam or some type of silicone caulk will fill most cracks or holes. it may also be easier to do this from the crawl space as it will be easier to see light coming in from the outside. get a pair of coveralls and something you can push around to lay on and fill them in. good luck.
    References :
    Master Plumber 20 yrs Exp

  8. nicenvt Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    First what type of heater? They all can start fires and also poison you with Carbon Monoxide if they are using a fuel type of heater ! Keeping the water moving by leaving a faucet on at the other end is a good way to prevent freezing. Costly but less than pipe replacement. Airsealing the crawl space and insulating the walls above grade at least down four feet will help. Insulating the pipes is the right direction to head, just moving the pipes in the spring will still leave a cold floor ! Air Seal and Insulate ! Another idea is to get some heat tape and apply them to the pipes they plug in and keep the pipe warm. Temp fix
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