How To Unthaw Bathtub - Drain !!top!!

If plain hot water isn't cutting it, table salt can help lower the freezing point of the ice.

Using a blowtorch, propane heater, or welding torch to thaw PVC or plastic pipes will melt the pipe and cause a leak. Even on metal pipes, open flames are a major fire hazard. Stick to the safe methods below.

: If you can access the drain pipe (e.g., from a basement or crawl space), use a hair dryer or heat gun to apply gentle heat directly to the frozen section. Start heating from the faucet/drain end and work backward toward the blockage to allow melting water a place to go. how to unthaw bathtub drain

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When temperatures drop below freezing, the water trapped in your bathtub drain or P-trap can turn to ice, blocking the pipe completely. Here’s how to safely unthaw it without damaging your plumbing. If plain hot water isn't cutting it, table

Lay towels around the tub to catch spills. Put on rubber gloves to protect against hot water splashes.

: Boil a kettle of water and stir in about 1 cup of salt (kosher, table, or sea salt). Slowly pour the mixture down the drain. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, helping it melt faster, similar to rock salt on a sidewalk. Stick to the safe methods below

If the drain is completely backed up (standing water in the tub), bail out as much standing water as possible with a cup before pouring the boiling water, or the boiling water will lose its heat before reaching the ice blockage.