This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows various ways to prevent and thaw frozen pipes. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Time: 1 to 2 hours on average
Skill level: Moderate. Depending on pipe location

Shopping List for How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:
- expanding foam sealant, used to seal holes and cracks in house
- silicone caulk, used to seal holes and cracks in house
- foam-rubber pipe insulation, used to insulate water pipes

Tools for How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:
- electric heat gun or blow dryer, used to thaw frozen pipes
- scissors, used to miter-cut foam pipe insulation
- pipe thawing machine, rental tool used to thaw inaccessible pipes

Steps:
1. Seal air-leaking holes and cracks around home with expanding foam sealant or silicone caulk.
2. Use foam-rubber pipe insulation to protect exposed pipes from cold.
3. Slip foam-rubber insulation over pipe, peel away backing strips, then press the adhesive surfaces together.
4. At pipe corners, miter-cut the ends of the foam-rubber insulation with scissors, then secure the corner joint with foam tape.
5. Before attempting to thaw a frozen pipe, open the faucet.
6. Locate ice blockage, then use heat gun or blow dryer to thaw frozen pipe; don't use propane torch or other open flame.
7. If the frozen section of pipe is inaccessible, use an electric pipe-thawing machine.
8. Find the exposed ends of the pipe, then place one clamp from the machine onto each pipe; the machine will warm the pipe and eventually melt the blockage.

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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes | This Old House
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