Frozen Pipes - Possible Solution - Will it work???

Hi guys..

So far I've not had water in 2010... and I'm getting a bit smelly... (not really, but at least I'm keeping my sense of humour about it).

Anyway, I've had an idea.

There is some water remaining between the kitchen tap and the blockage. Could I pump that out and force hot water down the pipe by having the hot and cold on at the same time on the mixer tap and putting my thumb over the end.

I know this forces water into the pipe as I've tried it several times, it just doesn't force it down that far due to the water that's already there. Also, I've managed to keep the tank in the loft (and therefore the one in the hot press) full so I've plenty of hot water.

Will I be able to pump out the water remaining in the pipe?

If so, how, or rather, with what?

Once this is done, will the hot water make it's way far enough (what can I expect regarding 'non-return valves and the like)?


Please help???

What are AAM's thoughts???

Will this plan work???

no it won't work. I'll tell you how I know it won't work, because I have tried it. People are getting desperate now and I keep telling them, not a whole lot can be done until there is a thaw. they haven't listened. I have tried disconnecting pipe, pouring hot water into it, sticking a compressor on it and that failed.

Things that worked.

Dig up pipe where it is swallow, take temp readings off pipe, where ever there is a minus reading, apply gentle heat, warm (not boiling) water or hair dryer. This has been successful if you can track pipe.

Disconnect stop cock at entry point and see if water is there, if so, run temp supply over ground from stop cock and run to outside tap, unscrew outside tap and fit pipe. this will frezze too, but pipe can be disconnected coiled up and dropped into bath of warm water to thaw and reconnected.

I have seen things I have never seen before and desperate times call for desperate measures.

Good luck.

Fairly categoric answer.

I differ slightly on what I suggested in that, rather than pressurise the hot water into the pipe, I'd hope to pump out whatever water is already there and use the vacuum that would draw to pull the hot water as far as the ice plug.

Apart from the slim glimmer of hope in that plan I'm fairly resigned to waiting for the thaw... in about 2 weeks time!!!

Still won't work. I pressurised the line before i filled with hot water. The compressed air literally blew the water from line once pressure was released from compressor valve side. then I filled with hot water.

Don't forget, the ice block could be a couple of feet long or longer.

It's worth a shot.

Had same problem. Used a steam cleaner to fire steam up the pipe for a few minutes. Just mind your hands! Worked here....