How To Unfreeze A Drain Pipe 2021 [hot] (2026)

If the freeze is near the drain opening (e.g., under a sink), boil water and slowly pour it directly down the drain. Wait a few seconds between cups to let the heat work.

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. how to unfreeze a drain pipe 2021

Frozen Out: How to Unfreeze a Drain Pipe Safely When winter temperatures drop below -6°C (20°F), your plumbing is at high risk. A frozen drain pipe can be more than just an inconvenience; if left unaddressed, the expanding ice can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage. If the freeze is near the drain opening (e

like blowtorches, as they can damage PVC or copper and pose a severe fire risk. American Red Cross Internal Thawing: The "Saline & Fizz" Method Frozen Out: How to Unfreeze a Drain Pipe

If you turned on your kitchen sink or took a shower only to watch water back up into the tub or hear gurgling sounds from the toilet, you may have a frozen drain pipe. Unlike supply pipes (which burst under pressure), drain pipes are gravity-fed, so a freeze stops drainage completely but is less likely to burst. However, the fix is trickier because you can’t just run hot water through a faucet.