frozen pipes

[peter]

We have a pipe thawing machine at our shop looks like a battery charger. Put a clamp on supply and one on return turn on 5 minutes later water flowing again. There has to be a rental place or a local shop by you that has one. Good luck!

 

[wags]

Do not use automotive-type glycols. These glycols are formulated with silicates which
tend to gel, reducing heat-transfer efficiency.

All glycols produce acids in the presence of air (oxidants). The acids can
reduce pH and cause corrosion. When the system pH drops below 7, rust will form on
any ferrous metal, and nonferrous metals start to corrode. For HVAC applications,
glycols are formulated with passivating and buffering corrosion inhibitors to counteract
acids formed by the oxidation of glycols.

 

[frnash]

… we need to wait for the pipes to unthaw …

UNthaw = refreeze?

(I tried, but just couldn't resist. The devil made me do it! )

 

[eyeman]

We have a pipe thawing machine at our shop looks like a battery charger. Put a clamp on supply and one on return turn on 5 minutes later water flowing again. There has to be a rental place or a local shop by you that has one. Good luck!

I've used a regular arc welder also. If your plumber is too busy - fire him and find another, as this is an emergency. "Frozen and potentially burst pipes." Installing glycol should be way down on your list - get those pipes thawed, and be ready to valve things off. Thaw with your fingers crossed, but be prepared with the shop vac. If you don't know how to sweat copper under not so perfect conditions, get that new plumber to your house.

 

[hemi_newman]

im back in business....i cranked the heat up yesterday...and she is running again....furance guy is coming today or tomorrow to add more antifreeze...no leaks to be found either...thank god.

 

[doomsman]

Please be sure you have an air gap back flow preventer.