Kingston, known for its cold and relatively challenging winters, can be a challenging place for homeowners to manage and maintain their properties, especially during the freezing months. One of the most common yet overlooked issues during these frosty months is drain blockages caused by frozen water. As such, a homeowner in Kingston should know how to handle this situation effectively. Here are some helpful tips on surviving a Kingston winter by unfreezing blocked drains.
First and foremost, you need to be preventive and perform necessary checks before winter sets in. Drainage systems should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned in the late fall to ensure all debris that might cause blockage is removed. Larger objects could retain water, which could freeze and blocked drains kingston lead to blockages.
Next, one of the most effective and simplest methods to unfreeze blocked drains is by applying hot water. It’s recommended to gradually pour boiling water straight down the drain. It’s crucial to avoid pouring too fast, as a sudden temperature shift may cause your pipes to crack. It’s a good idea to use a funnel when pouring the hot water to ensure it goes precisely where you want it to go – the area of the blockage.
Using a heat tape is another effective way to unfreeze a blocked drain. Heat tapes can be wrapped around the pipe, thereby acting as an external heating source that can help melt the ice within the pipe. They also have the advantage of evenly distributing heat, lowering the risk of one section getting too hot and potentially leading to cracks or other damages.
On the other hand, you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to thaw the ice as you direct warm air toward the affected area of the pipe. However, make sure not to concentrate too much heat on one particular portion as it may damage the pipe’s integrity.
Salt is a commonly used substance in managing icy situations in the winter and can be utilized to unblock frozen drains as well. Pour a cup of salt into the drain, followed by hot water. Due to its low freezing temperature, salt can melt the ice, aiding in unblocking the drain.
Furthermore, you can use a thaw machine or a pipe thawer for those particularly stubborn blockages. This equipment can be connected to the blocked pipe section, where it sends a minor electric current, producing heat and thawing the blockage.
During a Kingston winter, particular attention should be paid to outdoor drain areas as these are more exposed to freezing temperatures. If a stubborn clog occurs outdoors, consider using a power washer filled with hot water. Directed pressure can fracture the ice and clear the blockage.
Indeed, surviving a Kingston winter is not a walk in the park. However, by being proactive and using some of these unfreezing techniques mentioned above, you can help ensure your drains remain unblocked and functional throughout the cold season. Remember that, if you are uncomfortable doing any of these techniques, hiring a professional to handle the task is always an excellent plan to avoid causing any further damage to your plumbing.