How can thawing frozen pipes using heat tape be dangerous?
To Thaw Frozen Pipes If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, make sure your main water valve is turned on. If so, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe. • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. Make sure a heating pad does not come into contact with water. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode
