How to warm the frozen water under the ground

If the plumbing system is installed incorrectly in a private house, you may encounter the fact that during the freezing season the pipes will freeze through. And if this occurs in the outer part of the pipe, it is easy to eliminate. But if the pipe froze under the ground, then it will take a lot more effort. Further, only effective ways of dealing with this problem will be described.

Classic method

You can not invent a variety of ways and go to the classic way. That is, take a shovel and dig out the pipe. After that, it should warm up and ready. There are several ways to break the ice: you can use a hairdryer (better building), a blowtorch or boiling water. When using hot water, wrap the pipe with a cloth.

Despite the fact that the method is quite straightforward, only a few use it. The fact is that this method of eliminating ice in the pipe is extremely inconvenient and has the following disadvantages:

1. If the pipe is located deep enough (but, unfortunately, not so much that it does not freeze), it will take a lot of time to dig, since the frozen soil will not surrender just before an ordinary shovel.
2. If you do not know the exact place of freezing, you will have to dig the whole pipe, which certainly does not inspire optimism.

Those who do not want to spend the whole day (or even more) in the cold and with a shovel in their hands can use the following methods that are more effective and efficient.

Option for metal pipes

If the water pipes are made of metal, the ice plug can be removed using a copper two-core cable. However, the most important rule in the performance of such work is to comply with safety regulations. In addition, if there is no such experience of dealing with electricity, it is better to entrust the matter to a more qualified master.

So. First you should clean the veins. Each of them should be wrapped around the axis and make 2-3 turns. It is important that the parts of the wire do not touch each other. After that, this side of the wire is introduced into the pipeline. It is necessary to advance to the place of freezing.Accordingly, you should stock up on a long cable.

When the plug is detected, an electrical current is applied to the outer end of the wire. After that, the cable starts to warm up. Thus, the ice inside the pipe starts to melt. However, the further the cork is, the longer it will take to eliminate it.

It is also equally important to pump out the melt water. Otherwise, it will certainly freeze again.

This method is effective only for the owner of metal pipes. The idea to melt plastic water pipe in this way, unfortunately, will be doomed to failure. However, there is a solution, and it will be described below.

Elimination of ice plug in plastic pipes

The essence of this method consists in supplying hot water directly to the place of pipe freezing. However, if you just pour boiling water - the cork will not go away, and the time and effort spent will be in vain.

In order for the procedure performed to give a positive result, you will need:

1. Shlan and large capacity with hot water. Clogging can be quite far, so you should stock up with plenty of liquid.
2. Compressor. This tool is required. It is thanks to him that the water will flow into the pipe quickly enough that it will not allow it to cool. In addition, a strong pressure will more effectively affect the ice plug. This in turn will help to quickly deal with the elimination of the problem.

The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple. The hose is held through the pipe all the way to the frozen place. Then through the compressor water supply is carried out. Once again it is worth noting that you should not regret water. It is necessary to prepare in advance a large container of liquid.

How to avoid freezing

To avoid re-doing the above procedures, care should be taken to properly install the plumbing. After all, it is better to dig it up and fix all the flaws than to remove corks from frozen water from year to year. Even better, if you stumbled upon this article even before the start of the plumbing.

So, first of all it is worth taking care of the correct laying of pipes. Ordinary plastic household pipes can not be compared with the main, through which large volumes of fluid are continuously flowing. Therefore, they should be instilled below the level of soil freezing.Even better, do not spare the money, and entrust the procedure to professionals, who during the work will take into account all the nuances.

You should also take care of insulation. Provide insulation under the ground in the following ways:

1. The pipe can be wrapped in basalt and secured with tape. From above, as a heat-insulating material should be laid ruberoid.
2. You can also use regular foam with edges cut out for joints. Wrap it with duct tape with taped waterproof glue.
3. The most reliable, but at the same time, the most expensive method of insulating a water supply system is winding with a heating cable. If this method of insulation is used in a country house, where no one lives permanently, the depth of the trench should be at least 2 meters. If you live in the house, it will be enough for a half-meter hole.

It is worth noting that the latter method is best used in areas with a small water supply. Then the amount to which the installation of the cable will cost will be much lower than it would be to lay it through a multi-meter section. In addition, the amount of energy consumed will be no more than 20 watts.

The above tips, when used properly,sure to cope with the task. However, it is better to take care of the proper installation of water pipes. Especially underground, as on the surface (in the house or basement) to cope with the ice mash is much easier.