Heat tape is a thermostatically-controlled electrical cable that you wrap around your pipes to keep them warm. While often used as a preventive measure, it can also be used to actively thaw a pipe. Buy and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions explicitly. Never overlap the tape on itself, as this can cause overheating and a fire.
Follow the drain line from the affected fixture (e.g., a slow kitchen sink) toward the main stack. Use your infrared thermometer to scan along the pipe. The frozen portion will be significantly colder (below 32°F) than adjacent sections. If you don’t have a thermometer, feel the pipe by hand (carefully – it will be ice cold). how to unfreeze a drain pipe 2021
Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Amazon. Wrap it around the frozen section and plug it in. These cables are designed for exactly this problem. Never overlap the tape on itself, as this
Wrap foam pipe insulation or fiberglass sleeves around lines in unheated areas. The frozen portion will be significantly colder (below
Before you start, make sure the pipe is actually frozen and not just clogged.
Here is your 2021-ready guide to identifying, thawing, and preventing frozen drains. Signs Your Drain is Frozen