What to do if tap water in a private home freezes. Emergency defrosting of a plastic pipe: advice from professionals How to defrost water in plastic pipes

The work of the sewerage system is invisible as long as everything goes as expected. The design and installation of a sewer system is accompanied by taking into account many factors, including operation in conditions of low temperatures. However, a situation cannot be ruled out when the sewer freezes in the ground (a certain section of the pipe freezes). IN normal conditions This should not happen, but installation errors may appear in winter.

By the way, when trying to understand at what temperature the sewage system freezes, you should take into account not only the location of the pipes, but also the material from which they are made (the thermal conductivity of plastic and cast iron is very different), the diameter of the pipe, the slope angle, i.e. the action of many factors in combination.

Why does the sewer freeze?

Reasons for freezing sewer pipes:

incorrect design of the angle of inclination of the sewer pipeline. Water does not have the ability to move by gravity, it stagnates in the pipes, which leads to freezing in winter time;

insufficient burial depth. According to SNiP, the septic tank is installed at a depth of at least 2 meters from the soil level, the pipe system is located below the freezing point characteristic of the region. But a situation is possible when you are simply too lazy to dig a trench for laying pipes deep (or there is no possibility) or frosts exceed the average and the soil freezes deeper;

lack of insulation. Sewage pipes laid above the freezing point of the soil require insulation. The place where pipes exit the room must also be insulated. However, in practice, such a requirement is either ignored, or an unsuitable thermal insulation material is used, or its installation is carried out incorrectly;

small pipe diameter. If we consider consumer reviews, then most often those who have laid pipes with a diameter less than the recommended 110 mm are faced with the problem of sewerage freezing. Owners of summer cottages and houses that are used seasonally are especially often guilty of this. Due to insufficient diameter, the sewer pipe freezes faster;

blockages. They happen due to large objects getting into the system or insufficient water flow, which causes plaque to form in the pipes.

Causes of septic tank freezing:

The drainage from the septic tank is broken. In this case, the septic tank overflows, heavy fractions settle, and the water freezes;

the septic tank is removed from the source of wastewater. Then the water, moving to the waste pit, cools, which leads to its freezing at the junction of the pipe and the septic tank.

Many users who do the work themselves do not even think about whether the sewer system is freezing. After all, the very principle of operation of a septic tank is that it is a container for storing wastewater with actively occurring decomposition processes. Since heat is released during the decomposition of solid residues, freezing is practically excluded. In addition, according to standards, the septic tank is installed at a considerable depth.

However, no one is insured against force majeure and the owner country house It’s better to know in advance what to do if the sewer is frozen.

How and how to defrost a sewer in a private house

Exists different ways and means on how to warm up a frozen sewer (how to melt the ice in a pipe). All methods can be combined into two large groups:

thermal method. Provides for the organization of heat supply to the freezing point. The work is progressing slowly, but there is no risk of causing damage to the pipeline system. This method is most suitable at home when special means not available, and calling specialists is impossible or too expensive;

chemical method. Currently, chemical defrosting is rarely practiced. Firstly, because not every chemical can cope with icing. Secondly, because this is a costly method. And thirdly, because many users prefer local sewers, i.e. systems that are capable of performing partial wastewater treatment.

One of the components of local systems is the presence biological treatment, and chemistry can negatively affect the life of bacteria. However, its simplest variety - steep saline solution - is still used, according to reviews.

A more technologically advanced option is to use a drug like Mellerud. The components of Mellerud pipe cleaner react with water to produce heat.

Note. You should carefully use a chemical method to defrost plastic sewer pipes. Because Severe overheating can cause them to deform.

Defrosting the sewer - the procedure for performing the work

If a problem arises and the sewer system in a private house is frozen, you must first determine the location of the ice jam. Craftsmen note the importance of following the order of work, and it is better to start from the place where the water exits the septic tank. This order of work is due to the fact that the system sewer pipes designed with the obligatory condition of ensuring unhindered flow of water. This means that all pipes, incl. The drain pipe is located at a slope to the exit point.

Ice plugs must be melted so that the water can drain naturally. Otherwise (when performing work outside), you need to be prepared for the drains to flow in the opposite direction, which will necessitate pumping them out. This convincingly proves that work should begin in the direction from the septic tank to the internal pipes.

But there are exceptions to this rule. Ultimately, the order of work will be determined by factors such as:

the location where the ice plug forms. If the water is frozen in the inside of the sewer (unheated house), then it will be much easier to defrost;

cork sizes. Perhaps the size of the ice plug will be only a few centimeters, then the volume of water that needs to be pumped out can be neglected;

geometry of the sewer system. The more straight sections in the system, the easier it is to remove the ice plug;

laying method. Typically, sewerage is located underground. And if ice has formed in pipes located at a sufficient depth under a layer of frozen earth, the number of options for use is sharply reduced. You can’t get through the septic tank - you have to carry out work from inside the house.

The most in a simple way To improve the winter functioning of the sewer system, you will need to contact specialists who provide sewer defrosting services. Masters not only know how to defrost a frozen sewer, but also have special equipment and also provide a guarantee on the work. However, according to various reasons Many people prefer to solve the problem on their own. And as reviews from forum members testify, it was quite successful and fast.

What to do if the sewage system in a private house is frozen

Heating methods will differ depending on where the ice jam occurs. Let's look at each problem and possible solutions.

Frozen sewer drain

The sewer drain or drainage from the septic tank rarely freezes, because... it is located deep in the ground. However, if the water is not drained, it will cause the septic tank to overflow and freeze.

What to do if the sewer drain is frozen?

To defrost the drain, experts advise filling the septic tank. hot water or saline solution. Then you should pump out the wastewater from the septic tank and repeat the filling of water. With time warm water will eliminate the ice jam and the system will function normally.

A sewer drain is also called a pipe that drains wastewater from the source of their formation: in the sink, toilet, bathtub. It can freeze if the room is not heated and the water from the drain has not been drained. Or, the water flow is too weak. As a rule, indoor drains freeze where they meet the source of drainage and can be easily removed by using a hair dryer. In the same way, the problem is solved if the sewer riser in a private house freezes.

Septic tank frozen

This is possible if the drainage is not organized correctly.

What to do if the septic tank freezes?

To fix the problem, you can take the following measures:

heating with a light bulb. The light bulb on the carrier is placed inside the septic tank. Due to the power of the lamp, heating occurs environment, and the ice gradually thaws. The method is very slow, and you also need to monitor the water level and lower the lamp lower. From practice: 1 m of ice melts in a day, at an outside temperature of -15 degrees;

filling hot water followed by pumping out;

pouring quicklime into the septic tank. Users note the effectiveness of the method in a cesspool, but this method is unlikely to be suitable for a septic tank.

Frozen sewer pipes

The most difficult of possible situations, since there are two obstacles: firstly, the pipes are located underground, which makes the use of external heating problematic, and secondly, it is difficult to accurately determine the specific place where the pipe froze.

How to detect places where ice jams form?

You can determine the location of freezing using two pieces of wire. To do this, one of them needs to be introduced into the sewer system from the side of the house, and the second from the side of the septic tank. Knowing the length of the sewer and the sum of the distances over which the wire was moved, you can not only find (identify) the place where the ice plug formed in the pipe, but also its dimensions.

What to do if a sewer pipe freezes?

Methods for removing ice jams by heating.

External heating

Involves the extraction of soil to the level of pipe laying. Once you have direct access to the pipes, you can:

use open fire: burner, blowtorch. You can wrap the pipe with rags or cover it with firewood and set it on fire. The method is only suitable for metal, cast iron pipes sewerage;
wrap with foil, then with a heating cable and connect to the network;
use heating tape;
use a heat gun for plastic pipes.

Recommendation. Users advise covering the heating area with insulation, so defrosting will happen faster. At the same time, passive heating itself is not suitable in case of frozen sewer pipes, because... Thermal insulation material does not heat, but only conserves heat.

External heating is not very popular due to the difficulty of removing frozen soil above the piping system. This begs the question, how to warm up a frozen sewer that is impossible to access? The answer is obvious - only from the inside.

Internal heating

The technology involves influencing ice from the inside, i.e. directly inside the sewer pipe. Options include:

heating the wall if the sewer pipe is frozen indoors;

use hot water.

In order to clean a straight pipeline, you need to insert a rigid hose into the sewer and connect it to a funnel into which you pour water. As the ice melts, the hose can be advanced further. You can increase the effectiveness of the procedure by using water with salt. The ratio varies from 1:10 to 1:1 (salt: water).

To defrost a sewer pipeline of complex configuration, the same steps are performed, but using flexible hose. The hose is wound to a flexible wire in increments of 500 mm, so that the edge of the wire protrudes 20-30 mm above the edge of the hose. The end of the wire is bent inward for rigidity. The free edge of the wire should be 10-15 mm; its task is to avoid obstacles and guide the hose. As the water melts, the hose is pushed further. Instead of a funnel, you can use a pear.

When choosing this method, you need to consider that:

a) the water temperature must be more than 80 °C;

b) water supply is continuous;

c) excess water will come back out, so you need to install a container under the pipe to collect it.

The productivity of the method is 1 m per hour, with a pipe diameter of 110 mm.

usage welding machine, connected on both sides to the pipe. Suitable for metal pipes;

using any intoxicating liquid, such as alcohol. From practice, volume 1 m.p. pipes with a diameter of 110 mm is 8 l. This method is expensive;

use of a steam generator.

What to do to prevent the sewer from freezing in winter?

To prevent re-freezing, it is necessary to periodically drain (especially during severe frosts) significant volumes of hot water into the pipeline.

The solution to the problem of water freezing in the sewer system should not be limited to bringing the system into full functional readiness. After all, the possibility of re-freezing is not excluded.

Measures to prevent sewer freezing include:

correct . This procedure must be carried out at the stage of laying the pipeline;
laying pipes to a depth below the freezing point of the soil;
connecting a heating cable (resistive or self-regulating).

Metal-plastic pipes that are located in the attic or basement are likely to freeze when low temperatures. The advantage is that you have free access to them, which means the problem can be solved easily and quickly. First, open your water taps and only then start defrosting. We offer several ways.

First method: use hot water.
1. Feel for the coldest area - there is ice plug.
2. Take a regular piece of fabric.
3. Wrap the cloth around the frozen area (in addition to it, grab the upper and lower areas).
4. Heat water and pour it over the frozen area.
5. Remove the cloth and wipe the pipeline.
6. Wrap the pipe with insulation to prevent re-freezing.
Second method: use a construction heat gun.
1. Find the ice plug (described above).
2. Set the heat gun to the minimum temperature (to avoid melting the plastic).
3. Bring the flow warm air to the pipeline.
4. Wrap the pipe with insulation.
Third method: use electric heating.
1. We wrap the frozen area with a special heating wire.
2. We connect the wire to the electrical network.
3. We wrap the heated pipe with insulation.

How to defrost ice in a plastic pipe underground yourself

When a plastic pipe freezes underground, homeowners begin to panic. After all, digging frozen soil with your hands is not an easy task, and using machinery can completely damage the pipe. We offer several alternative options, for defrosting underground communications.

We use hot water

Disconnect the plastic pipe from the faucet.
Heat the water (it is best to use a reinforced concrete barrel).
Place a hose into the frozen plastic pipe. Continue entering until you hit an ice plug.
Fill the hose with hot water (use a pressure pump if possible).
Gradually move the hose forward.
As soon as the ice seal is melted, water will flow from the pipe.
Reconnect the pipe to the faucet.
Cover open areas pipeline insulation.

We use electricity

Purchase two-core wire.
Separate one core and remove the insulation from it.
Twist the bare wire tightly to prevent it from unwinding.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the second wire.
Move the exposed twists a couple of centimeters away from each other.
Insert the wire into the pipe up to the ice plug.
Connect the wire to the mains.
Move the wire forward as it defrosts.
Pump out melt water pump or compressor.

A few more ways to defrost a plastic pipe

There are several other rarely used methods. The reason for its rarity is the lack of necessary equipment.

Defrosting with a steam generator: an excellent way out of this situation. Melting ice is very fast and efficient. The steam generator hose is inserted inside to the ice plug and steam is released.
Defrosting with an autoclave (or double boiler): water is heated in the autoclave, after which a hose is connected to the device, the second end of which is inserted into the frozen pipeline. When water boils, steam enters and melts the ice.
Defrosting with a hydrodynamic machine: due to the increased pressure that this machine generates, the ice breaks in a matter of minutes. The hose is inserted into a plastic pipe closer to the ice plug and the device is turned on.

Almost every private house has drainage and sewer pipes through which water and wastewater are supplied and discharged. Since this system is the property of the residents, in the event of any breakdowns or problems, they often have to deal with everything themselves. One of the most pressing and unpleasant situations that one has to face is the freezing of water in pipes in winter period. It is very important to be able to defrost pipes correctly so that the ice does not break them during melting, compromising the integrity of the entire water supply system.

Peculiarities

For water supply in a private home, both metal and plastic pipes can be used, but some and others are not protected from freezing in winter if the installation process was carried out incorrectly. The main reason that water freezes in a pipe underground in cold weather is insufficient deepening of the water supply system. If the installation technology is carried out correctly, then the entire system is located at a level where frost does not reach.

Due to the fact that main pipelines have large diameter, even in winter they do not freeze, because they contain everything time is running movement of water. Home systems are installed using pipes with a diameter of 20 mm or more - 32 mm. It is important to deepen such thin elements well so that frost does not reach them, but this is not always possible, so you need to know what means you can use to insulate pipes to protect them from the cold.

If all the recommendations have been followed, but the water still freezes, then in this case it is necessary to keep the system turned on all the time so that water always flows through the pipes at least in a thin stream. This is quite expensive, considering the cost of water, but you will not need to waste time, effort and money on defrosting the entire system.

In order to avoid having to carry out heating work on water pipes every year, it is important to prevent all possible problems at the stage of laying the entire network.

During installation, it is important to follow these rules:

The depth of the trench should be greater than the level of soil freezing, which is typical for this region. There are relevant SNiP standards that will help you design a water supply system correctly.
When choosing a location for pipes, it is important not to lay them next to reinforced concrete products, because their thermal conductivity is greater than that of the soil.
If the installation is carried out under the foundation, then the pipes are insulated from reinforced concrete using a large layer of thermal insulation, which works best with mineral wool.
When planning a water supply system underground and on its surface, it is best to use pipes with a diameter of 50 mm, because thinner products freeze much faster.
When choosing a material for pipes, you should give preference to polymer products that can increase the size by several millimeters, which saves them from cracking during freezing and freezing.
To ensure a calm winter, you should lay a heating cable near the pipes that will support optimal temperature and will prevent the system from freezing.
If the house is used only in the summer and is empty in the winter, then it is important to drain all the water from the system so that there is nothing in the pipes during frosts. This will protect them from freezing.

What will you need?

If a pipe that supplies water or discharges wastewater is frozen in a private house, you must first determine the location of the blockage in order to eliminate it and not aggravate the situation. The most simple option The search will be to use an iron cable, which is inserted into the water supply, which was previously shut off and immediately untwisted under the tap at the junction of the structure. It is important to choose the longest cable because problem area may be either at the beginning of the system or at its end.

Once the plug has been discovered, you can excavate the affected area of the pipeline and take all necessary measures for defrosting. If the structure is old and the pipes are metal, then the easiest way to heat the water inside is with current, for which a welding machine is used. But this method is no longer suitable for a HDPE pipeline. For them, the use of external means brings little results; a different approach needs to be taken.

The most effective, but expensive, would be to use a hydrodynamic machine, which can deliver a stream of water at such a speed that ice and some other substances melt from such an impact. Only a professional can work with the device, because it is important to know the technology and follow the work algorithm. If you need to quickly resolve a problem, and necessary skills and there is no equipment, you can simply call a specialist who can easily do everything necessary to restore the water supply.

Another method of heating a pipe involves a steam generator, the operation of which looks like this:

pour 2-3 liters of water into the container;
connect the heat-resistant hose to the place where the safety valve is located;
insert the hose into the pipe to the place where the plug has formed;
turn on the device and wait for the result.

Work should only be carried out in correct sequence and it is better to have assistants with you, because after removing the hose from the pipe where the ice was, a fountain will simply flow. This water must be collected in buckets, which must be prepared in advance. You can prepare more rags.

If you don’t have a steam generator, it doesn’t matter; a boiler will do for defrosting the pipes. To use this option, you need to prepare a wire; it must be copper, two-core and have a cross-section of 0.5 mm, and its length must be equal to the pipe. In addition, you also need steel wire, the diameter of which is 3 mm. Copper wires are stripped to 60 cm, and the second wire to 1 cm from the cut. Separate turns are made on each wire so that there is no contact, otherwise a short circuit will occur.

Electrical tape copper wires screwed to the steel and the whole thing is immersed in the pipe. In this simple way you can build a homemade boiler. It must be connected to the network to warm up the pipe, which will push out the plug from the heat. Once the problem is solved, the boiler is turned off and pulled out, and the pipe is closed. When the system starts again, everything works as it should.

Defrosting of pipes can be done welding inverter. This is a wire that connects to the pipe where there is icing and heats it up. It is important to work with the device correctly and not overheat it by giving different voltages. After just ten minutes of such exposure, the ice turns into liquid and the plug dissolves.

Heating water pipes in case of ice blockage is one of the most effective options. For iron pipe The method of external influence is suitable, and for plastic - internal. The means by which it is convenient to deal with icing can be anything, and everyone chooses what they like and can afford, the main thing is that there is a result, but it is best not to lead to such situations by correctly laying the water supply and insulating it well.

How to warm it up?

In order to warm up the metal-plastic water pipe, in which the water froze, Several techniques can be used, including:

Exposure to hot water, for which the structure is wrapped with foam rubber or rags and very hot water, almost boiling water, is poured inside. This option is quite simple, but it is effective for pipes inside the house. In the case of underground ice jams, this method can break through the barrier for up to ten hours.
Using hot air, for which you need to have a hair dryer or heating device. The icing area can be heated by any of the devices for two or more hours, it all depends on the degree of freezing of the water inside. It is not difficult to do such work, but it is important to carry out all activities carefully, because from high temperature the pipes may become warped, further exacerbating the problem. Efficiency this method not too large, because with large energy and heat losses, the real result does not come soon.

Heating using thermal conductivity. It consists of winding pipes with cable, which is used in a heated floor system. When everything is ready, the resulting structure is connected to electricity and begins to heat the pipe itself. The work process lasts approximately three hours and allows you to prepare only those pipes that are above ground and in the house. Wires for heated floors are quite expensive, so buying them in order to defrost the system once is unprofitable due to their high cost.
The process of heating the pipes inside can solve the problem quite effectively. To work, it is important to have access to the problem area in order to pour hot water into it using a special device that forces liquid under high pressure, but you can also use a device that looks like a boiler. The work proceeds slowly, the problem is completely resolved in at least three days. It is prohibited to use this option for those sections where the pipes run vertically. The system must be in a horizontal position to ensure functionality.

If you have to deal with plastic pipes, then you can deal with defrosting them yourself, the main thing is to know what exactly needs to be done. For those pipelines that are located underground and the system is a network of turns and various bends, then all the previously listed options will not be able to help. The most the best option in this case there will be a welding machine that needs to be connected to different ends of the pipes and turned on. If you don't have the right equipment, you can just use hot water.

To make an effective means for defrosting pipes, you need:

find a rigid hose or small-diameter plastic pipe;
place the hose or pipe in the water supply and move until it hits the ice;
pour hot water or brine;
for the water that will form from the ice plug, you need to place a container;
As soon as the problem area is completely eliminated, you need to turn on the hot water in the tap and thoroughly clean the system.

If metal-plastic structures have been laid, then to defrost them you need to do a number of actions:

To find the problem area, simply probe all the pipes. The freezing point will be much colder than the rest of the surface.
The icing area is covered with rags and all water taps are opened. It is necessary to ensure that there is a supply of hot water.
The pipe surface is treated gradually and is used immediately. cold water, that's why it's hot. This is important in order not to damage the structure with a sudden temperature rise.
The melted water will begin to come out of the pipes through the taps that were opened earlier.

If there is no desire to carry out such operations annually, or even several times during the winter, it is worth quickly organizing insulation of the area, which is especially susceptible to freezing.

In cases where water freezing occurs in areas inaccessible to humans, for example, under a foundation, then You can deal with problematic situations using a number of measures:

You need to purchase a barrel, a pump and a hose with oxygen. You need to fill the barrel with hot water, the temperature of which will constantly rise.
Insert the hose into the pipe and push until it hits the ice.
You need to open the tap and connect it to a hose that goes into the barrel. If you don’t have one, you can use a simple bucket.
The pump starts, with the help of which hot water is supplied to the pipes to defrost the ice. From time to time the pump must be turned off to drain the accumulated water.
As soon as the problem goes away, the hose must be removed and the water in the pipeline drained.

If the problem concerns the sewer system, then you can deal with it if you know how. Typically, sewer pipes do not freeze because the water used is usually warmer, but in very severe frosts this is possible.

To combat ice plugs in the sewer, you can:

Light a fire in the place where the collector is located. This option will be effective if the pipes are not far from the surface. The flame must be maintained for as long as possible in order to be able to heat the ground, and with it the sewer.
Using table salt. Homemade, but very effective method consists of placing a large amount of a solution of concentrated table salt into the sewer pipes, which will not freeze even in severe frost, and the salt will begin to dissolve it upon contact with ice.
You can use an electric cable, which is inserted through the toilet or inspection hatch until icing occurs. Once the device is installed, turn it on to the network.
You can use the inspection hatch of the septic tank, where a watering hose is inserted through the outlet garden plants. It needs to be advanced to the place where ice is expected to be present, and then hot water from the water supply must be poured inside. The process must be continued until the ice is completely gone.

In the event of severe frosts in winter and freezing of water in pipes, you need to know how to cope with the situation. First of all, it is important to understand what material the pipes you are working with are made of, how deep they are laid and a number of other nuances, after which it will be much easier to choose correct option combating ice jams.

If problems with pipes are discovered in a private house, namely their freezing in winter, then you need to know some secrets in order to prevent such phenomena or skillfully deal with them.

To prevent such phenomena, you should:

Install water supply and sewerage pipes lower than the frost, and this is at least a depth of 120-140 cm. In case of problems with such a deepening, the pipes are carefully insulated.
By using pipes that are large enough in diameter, you can avoid their rapid freezing. The optimal size would be 50 mm.
To avoid stagnation of water in the system when arranging it, it is worthwhile to provide an angle of inclination so that it flows faster into the source.
When laying pipes, you should stay away from beams and foundations, the thermal conductivity of which is higher than that of the ground, which poses a danger to the pipes. If possible, it is worth making good insulation if there is reinforced concrete nearby.
If the water supply is in non-residential premises where there is no heating, it is important to additionally insulate it, for which you can use mineral wool, glass wool and foam.
Living in regions with very harsh winters, when installing a water supply system, it is better to lay a cable nearby that will heat the pipes. Its advantage is that it itself determines the moment when it needs to turn on and off, but there are also manual models.
When choosing a pipe, you should give preference to polyethylene rather than polypropylene, because they withstand the process of freezing and defrosting of ice well.

There are a number of other tips that will help protect the system from freezing or deal with it more effectively:

To protect the pipeline from freezing it is worth studying temperature regime region and lower the structure a meter below the level where frost usually falls. This will allow you to forget about any problems with water in cold weather.
If pipes freeze where the ground intersects with open space, then a regular hair dryer can help, and in particularly difficult cases, a construction hair dryer.
If problems with pipes arise every year, then you should set the goal of redoing the system rather than constantly struggling with the consequences.
When the freezing is very serious or difficult to solve on your own, it is best to call a professional who can remove the ice blockage without any problems.
If you manage to deal with ice on your own, but at the same time you have to constantly clean the system by running water, it can be collected in special containers and then used for household needs.

For those who still use metal water or sewer pipes, ice plugs can be dealt with using terminals that are attached to the problem area, after which a current begins to flow, which heats up the pipe and the ice inside begins to melt. If freezing occurs in the pipe leading directly from the toilet, then one of the options may be to heat the water directly in the plumbing, for which you will need a heating element or a boiler. Metal pipes are also heated using a blowtorch, for which you need to make a trench at the location of the sewerage system and heat the pipe with the lamp, going from bottom to top. Work is being carried out from outside cesspool or a septic tank, if there is one, to allow the unhindered release of water after melting.

A water pipeline is a system for supplying water to consumers to provide drinking water and water for technical purposes. An extensive network runs throughout the entire settlement and provides the necessary outlets for supplying water to private, apartment buildings and industrial facilities.

Rice. 1. water supply system

Plastic water pipe system

Water pipelines are divided into 2 types:

external;
internal.

Internal systems run inside residential and industrial type. External ones pass outside: underground and above it.

External water pipes are often exposed to external factors. These include winds, sub-zero temperatures, and natural disasters. Sub-zero temperatures cause pipes to freeze. This prevents fluid from flowing through them and makes it difficult to consume.

Types of polymers

Plastic plumbing is made of a polymer material, which is characterized by properties that depend on the type of polymer:

Polyethylene pipes. They are used for external drainage; water flows into them for drinking and household needs of the population.
Polyvinyl chloride pipes. They are characterized by a long service life, use with relatively easy installation and dismantling. After expiration date they must be recycled.
Profiled pipes. Available in combinations of polyethylene and propylene. The advantage of such products is their resistance to high temperatures.
Spiral twisted. They are made on the basis of a profile with hollow walls of polyethylene. A special feature of the application is its purpose for non-pressure flow.

Fig.2 polymer pipes

Advantages of using polymer structures:

high levels of tightness of connections between sections;
resistance to corrosion processes;
ease of installation of water pipes;
low cost;
long period of use;
stable performance in relation to the effects of chemical reagents;
no formation of salt deposits.

Plastic water pipe freezing problem

The basis of all products is polymers, which may be unstable to temperatures. A frequent problem faced by utility service employees or private owners residential buildings, the external water supply becomes frozen.

To prevent such a problem from arising, owners of private houses are advised to anticipate such risks in advance and prevent them. To do this you need:

take into account climatic conditions, type, soil condition;
take into account the specifics of the local highway;
take measures to protect the water supply from low temperatures.

Polymer pipes are subject to damage due to the specifics of the material:

inconsistency of product quality, installation of products intended for internal use, underground;
use occurs without taking into account technical characteristics material;
the use of low-quality elements for connection and fastening;
rigid fastenings that do not meet the requirements;
the location of the water supply in places where the route passes, the load on the ground is increased and has technical features.

Causes of freezing

The main reason that leads to pipeline freezing in winter is improper installation of products. This means that the pipes are not running at sufficient depth. If you lay them above the specified mark, the soil will freeze.

The design of the laying must be made in accordance with the climatic conditions of a particular region. Expertise and analysis of hydraulic work helps to find out the possible laying depth.

There are special cases when laying at the depth specified by specialists is impossible. In this case, heating systems for such gaskets should be provided.

Rice. 3 frozen water tap

The cause of freezing is insufficient pressure in the pipeline. Low speeds lead to ice build-up.

Diameter polymer pipes becomes a factor influencing the formation of a build-up. A diameter that is too large leads to freezing due to lack of water flow; a diameter that is too small leads to interruptions in the water supply and also causes freezing.

Checking the integrity of plastic water pipes

To find the place of freezing and defrost it, you need to determine the places where the frozen plastic water pipes are located:

The pipes are inspected. Due to its physical properties, water has the ability to expand when it freezes, so the pipe becomes wider in the place where freezing occurs. The water plug pushes the plastic apart and it increases in size.
This method involves partial dismantling of the pipeline. The area to which there is access is cut, a flexible cable is passed inside and rotated to the point where it rests on the ice plug. In this way, you can defrost a plastic water pipe that is located underground.
The ability to bend pipes along their entire length is not always feasible. If this can be done, cracking will occur where the frozen pipe is found.

Rice. 4 water supply damage

Methods for defrosting polymer pipes carrying water

You can defrost an underground water pipe yourself using several available methods. To do this, you will need additional equipment that can be used at low temperatures.

Heating of polymer pipes with a construction hairdryer. The disadvantage of this approach is that plastic does not conduct heat. This means that using such a tool will not bring quick results.
Exposure to hot heat. The pipe is wrapped in rags and poured with boiling water. This method helps to warm the water and get rid of ice build-up in plastic pipe. To do this, water is released through pipes. The pressure is chosen as low as possible.
Start hot water. This internal method defrosting pipes. Find the nearest connection point for it, place a flexible hose in the hole and run hot water through it.
Use of a steam generator. A special steam generator sleeve is inserted into the connection point. Steam is supplied from the moment the hose rests on the plug. The feed is carried out slowly, gradually increasing the speed.
Use of electricity. Twists of thick two-core wires are suitable for this method. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the wires are not connected to avoid short circuits. The wires are routed to the location of the traffic jam and the electricity is turned on. Warming up is slow.
Cleaning with hydrodynamic machine. The method involves applying pressure to the area where the product is frozen. As it breaks down, the plug moves and shrinks. The hose with the nozzle moves it further. This technique is effective, but requires investment of funds.

Fig.5 hydrodynamic machine

After the work is completed, the next stage begins: inspection and damage assessment. They open the tap in the house, drain about a liter of water, and close the tap. This method allows you to warm up the heating.

Under the connection areas or at the excavation site that has been cleared of soil, wait 20-25 minutes for water to appear. If water appears, this indicates damage to the pipe where the ice plug was removed.

In this case it is necessary:

carry out excavations;
find the location of the damage;
replace the site.

If there is no water after half an hour, this means that the area does not need to be replaced. It is necessary to insulate the pipes, then cover them with soil.

Damaged areas are repaired in winter, taking into account that the main work will be carried out under more favorable weather conditions. Places where the pipe froze and a leak occurred are cut out and replaced with new ones reinforced with special connections or fittings. Welding is often used if conditions allow. After connecting the sections, water is released and the tightness of the connection is checked. If the products have been cleaned of residual water, sand, and foreign objects, and the connections are secured in accordance with the standards, then the water supply system will begin to function properly.

Preventing freezing of water in the water supply

So that the water in plumbing system did not freeze, it is necessary to take measures in advance or repair the existing system in the warm season.

If there is no regular use of the water supply in a private house, then the water is drained and the taps are turned off. The start-up is carried out gradually, increasing the volume of water used.

Builders and utility specialists recommend taking into account some points when designing, installing and using water supply systems:

designers identify freezing levels in a specific region, installation is carried out in accordance with these measurements;
do not lay water pipes near reinforced concrete structures, which have more high degree thermal conductivity, thereby absorbing heat;
heat-insulating materials are used for installation in cases where the owners are confident that freezing is quite possible; this may depend on climatic conditions region or the impossibility of laying to a depth of more than 2 m;
for thermal insulation, pieces of foam plastic, mineral wool, expanded clay, vermoculite, and rags are used;
the places where the system enters distribution wells or living quarters are considered the most defenseless, so they are insulated using special cases, the filling of which involves the use of construction-type foam and mineral wool;
water pipes are wrapped with special cables, which are connected to the heating system at low temperatures and strong frosty winds;
where water pipes are most susceptible to freezing, it is recommended to use products with thick walls, with a cross-section of at least 5 mm.

Unlike plastic water pipe metal constructions have more long term services. This is explained by the physical properties of metal water pipes. They are also prone to freezing for several reasons:

use for installation of various products with excellent production times;
the appearance of corrosion inside the pipe;
use of incorrect fasteners, poor quality parts;
the appearance of rust, condensation;
salt-type deposits inside due to physical properties, which increases the risk of ice formation in a weakened area.

Rice. 6 freezing of a metal water pipe

After the end of the season, the following events are carried out:

delete everything heating elements to prevent the system from overheating during the hot season;
inspect the system for damage;
reconstruction is being carried out to prevent freezing in the future.

Competent design and timely implementation repair work will allow you to avoid problems with freezing water in the water supply and lack of water supply.

If a plug has formed inside or outside the water supply, it is necessary to take measures to warm the plastic pipe and provide ways to protect the water supply system in the ground.

Winter is a time of year that not only brings unforgettable and joyful experiences from New Year's Eve or skiing. Winter is a severe test, both for living beings and for all kinds of engineering systems, which are created by man to improve his life. Low temperature tests apply directly to the water supply. In cold weather, it happens that water pipes freeze. Therefore, knowledge of how to defrost pipes in winter and not be left without water during this time will be quite useful.

The need to defrost pipes

If you have not insulated your water pipes in a timely manner, a situation may occur when the water in the pipes freezes. If you paid attention in time to the occurrence of force majeure with tap water, then this is not a reason to panic at all. There are many ways, including “folk” ones, how to defrost a water pipe with your own hands.

For trivial reasons, water pipes freeze: incorrect pipe laying technology (for a given area, the freezing depth is not taken into account or the pipes are not insulated), as well as the lack of heating in the room. Also, the reasons for freezing of the system may be as follows: very small volumes of water are transported through the pipes, or the pipes are operated at very low temperatures.

It should be taken into account that defrosting pipes that are laid in accessible places does not cause any particular difficulties (for example, they just need to be warmed up using an ordinary household hair dryer), but with defrosting pipes when underground installation Some difficulties may arise. It’s quite good if the pipes are frozen at the entry point, since you can simply heat up the walls. But often the freezing point is a few meters from the building.

The issue of defrosting pipes is solved with the help of improvised means that are available in every home: a blowtorch, an electric heater, a professional hair dryer (you can also use a hair dryer). But before you consider options for defrosting water pipes, you need to understand a few useful tips.

The defrosting process is quite simple if the pipes are metal. For this purpose, we take a regular welding machine and connect it to different ends of the pipe. This simple method eliminates this problem within 3 - 4 hours. The longer the frozen section of the pipe, the longer it takes to defrost. But today, mainly PE pipes are used in water supply networks, which are made of high-density polyethylene and can withstand pressures of up to 10 atmospheres.

They do not collapse when frozen and are not subject to corrosion processes. Due to its properties, polyethylene is not a conductor electric current, and this suggests that it is impossible to defrost using a welding machine. Removing ice plugs with a steel rod is also fraught with danger and can damage the pipe.

Traditional methods of defrosting pipes

Today there are a lot of defrosting methods, so the process of removing ice from sewer or water pipes is not very difficult.

External heating

External defrosting of pipes has a very important drawback - it is necessary to open the trench in which the sewerage system is laid. Digging the frozen soil itself (and this is what it is if ice has formed in the pipe), it is clear that this is not the most pleasant task. But still, if the size of the cork is not particularly large, then this method may be worth using.

After you have opened the trench, you need to look at the material from which the pipe is made. There is a difference in how to defrost polyethylene or metal pipes. In the first case, you need to use electric heaters so that the temperature is not very high - up to 100-110 degrees. With all this, it also makes sense to cover the additionally excavated area with a decent layer of thermal insulation during the heating process, so the back side of the device will not heat the street, and the pipes will warm up faster.

For metal pipes, we apply the method of using an open flame using equipment such as gas-burners, blowtorches, firewood, as well as any flame sources with for a long time combustion. From such influences, the plastic may simply melt.

Internal heating

Defrosting sewer pipes, compared to water pipes, has certain nuances. On the one hand, the large diameter of such pipes provides significant advantages for internal heating. On the other hand, these pipes provide a fairly large volume of accumulated ice with frozen soil, and therefore a large contact area, which will lead to increased heat transfer from both external and internal heaters.

Before you defrost plastic pipes from the inside, you need to make a not very complicated device: attach a U-shaped heating element to a board with rounded edges. At the same time, it is required that the bend protrudes beyond the front edge of the board; other parts of the heating element should not protrude beyond it, so that there is no contact with the walls of the heater pipe.

Since its dimensions and distance to the plug are known, to defrost plastic pipes it is also necessary to attach a wire of the appropriate length to the contacts of the heating element, and attach a small piece of metal-plastic pipe to the board itself, which will serve as a pusher.

The entire structure is inserted from the side of the wastewater receivers, because the slope of the sewerage system is made precisely in in this direction, there will simply be nowhere for the melted water to flow from above. In this case, the heating element is turned on in the network only after it is placed inside the pipe, and with each movement as the plugs melt, it is accordingly turned off.

Metal pipe machine

The most effective means Removing ice from water pipes is an industrial device for defrosting pipes. But such a device is intended only for metal pipes; this technique does not apply to plastic pipes. The operating principle of the device is quite simple and understandable. Terminals are attached to the edges of the required section of the pipe that needs to be defrosted, and then current is supplied. After this, the pipe heats up and begins to thaw the frozen area.

When using an apparatus for defrosting metal pipes, the following data should be analyzed: a pipe up to 23 meters long and with a diameter of up to 6 centimeters defrosts in up to 60 minutes. With a larger pipe diameter, it is necessary to install terminals at a shorter length, especially in the area of various tie-ins and measuring instruments. When defrosting water or sewer pipes, there must be water pressure in the system.

Unconventional methods of defrosting pipes

Except traditional ways heating pipes, we can offer you three defrosting methods for polyethylene pipes, which are the “know-how” of our craftsmen. Regardless of some eccentricity, they still work. Their only drawback is that they are only suitable for pipelines that have a small diameter.

Hot water

When using this method, it is necessary to take into account that the ice plug will not allow hot water to get inside if you just pour it in. This means it is necessary to find a way to supply hot water to the frozen zone. You can defrost a pipe by using a pipe or hose with a smaller diameter. For example, if it is necessary to defrost a water pipe with a diameter of 25 or 30 millimeters, and the frozen section is straight, then the use of metal-plastic pipes with a diameter of 16 millimeters will be more effective.

To start metal-plastic pipe straighten it, and then push it into the frozen pipe until it touches the ice. After this, we supply hot water through the pipe to the freezing point. Thawed water will pour out through the gap between the metal-plastic pipe and the water pipe. If your water supply is limited, then you can use the thawed water in a second circle, that is, heat it up and again direct it to the place of freezing.

At the same time, the ice plug will melt, and it will be possible to continue manual defrosting of the pipe and push the small metal-plastic pipe further. But if the section of the pipe that is frozen has turns and bends, it will not be possible to use a rigid metal-plastic pipe in this case. But you can take a hard hose.

It should be noted that an ordinary watering hose is not suitable for this; it will simply soften from hot water and will be impossible to push through. In such a situation, hoses for connecting a gas cylinder and oxygen hoses turned out to be effective. These hoses are quite rigid, but you can still push them no more than 15 meters from the input. In addition, such hoses are quite heavy and must be pushed through the pipe with great effort.

Esmarch's irrigator

Now it’s worth figuring out how to defrost a pipe if ice has accumulated tens of meters from your home, and the pipeline itself has turns and bends. Still, there is an economical and effective method: for such purposes you will need a set of a construction hydraulic level, an Esmarch mug (banal enema) and hardened steel wire. This set is inexpensive, and households have many of its components.

First you need to align the wire and the hydraulic level tube, and then screw the end of the wire to the hydraulic level with electrical tape. In order to provide greater hardness at the end of the wire, it is necessary to make a loop. The wire itself should not stick out, and the end of the hydraulic level tube should protrude one centimeter in front of the wire. The other end of the hydraulic level must then be connected to Esmarch’s mug, and then the wire and tube must be pushed into the water supply until it stops.

Due to the fact that the hydraulic level tube has a small diameter and light weight, it moves quite easily through the pipeline, while overcoming all turns quite easily. After this, pour hot water, making an “enema” frozen water pipe. It is necessary to place a container under the water pipe to collect the thawed water, because as much hot water is poured in, the same amount of cold water will be poured out.

Then we push the wire with the hydraulic level tube gradually as the ice melts. This method of defrosting pipes is very time-consuming, that is, you can only defrost up to one meter of pipeline in an hour. This means that during working hours you can defrost 5-7 meters of pipe from ice.

Current Usage

Consider the following situation when you have a frozen polyethylene water supply with a length of 50 meters, a diameter of 20 millimeters, and a laying depth of up to 80 centimeters. It should be noted that this depth for laying a water supply system is insufficient, which is why the water supply system froze. Another distinctive feature is that the water supply is located under the roadway. In this case, utility workers usually advise waiting until the thaw sets in, but there is still a way when you can do without it.

You will need the following equipment: a plug for the socket, a two-core copper wire (we select the thickness and length of the cross-section according to the diameter and length of the frozen water supply), a hose and a compressor for pumping out thawed water. Let's say, for a pipe with a diameter of 20 millimeters, you can take a wire of 2.5-3 millimeters and a fuel car hose with a diameter of 8 millimeters, as well as a car regular compressor(You can, as a last resort, use a pump).

We warn you that when using this method of self-defrosting pipes, you need to be extremely careful, because the work is carried out using high voltage. Now we need to prepare all this for thawing of the pipes. It is necessary to remove the outer insulation from a small section of the wire, divide it into two wires, remove the insulation from one of them, and carefully bend the remaining wire in the insulation in the opposite direction along the water supply. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the insulation is not damaged.

Next, almost near the bend of the wire, you should make 3-5 turns of bare wire (as close to each other as possible) and cut off its remaining end. After this, you need to retreat 2-3 millimeters from the made turns, then expose the second wire and wrap it around the wire in the same way. The turns of the first and second wires should not touch.

And to the other end of the wire we connect the “unit” and the plug (such a device is popularly called a “bulbulator”). If you place it in water and connect it to the electrical network, then when current passes through the water, a corresponding reaction occurs, in which a large release of heat occurs. Such a device is ideal in this case, because only the water is heated, and the wires themselves remain cold, that is, the plastic pipes are not even accidentally scorched.

This assembled device must be checked. For this purpose, it is recommended to place the device in a jar of water and connect it to the power supply. If a slight hum is felt and bubbles leave the contacts, then the unit is working. We remind you once again: while the device is working, contact with water may cause an electric shock.

We continue to defrost the pipe ourselves. The wire must be pushed carefully into the pipe so that it does not bend. Therefore, it is necessary to take a wire of a larger cross-section. When the wire hits the ice plug, you need to turn on the “bulbulator” and wait one or two minutes. After this, you need to try to push the wire further, because the ice has begun to melt.

When about a meter of pipe is thawed, the melted water must be blown out using a compressor; this is necessary to reduce the volume of heated water and to prevent the water supply from freezing again in already thawed areas. If you have special equipment, it is advisable to weld a tap onto the pipe. When water flows through the pipe, do not pull out the wire from it, but close the tap, this way the place where the defrosting procedure is being carried out will not flood.

How to prevent pipes from freezing

You have already figured out how to deal with ice in water pipes. But you can prevent this if you try. To prevent plastic pipes from freezing, you must remember:

Pipes should be laid at a depth that exceeds the freezing level of the soil in your region. It is advisable to lay sewer and water pipes at a depth of at least 120-140 centimeters.
There is no need to lay sewer and water pipes next to reinforced concrete structures(beams, supports, grillages, foundation) due to the fact that the thermal conductivity of concrete is much greater than the thermal conductivity of the soil, that is, the risk of soil freezing from reinforced concrete structures increases. In this case, it is necessary to insulate the pipes (for example, place slabs of special extruded polystyrene foam between the reinforced concrete structures and the pipeline).
If finances allow, then a heating cable should be laid next to the pipeline. The production of heating self-regulating cables, which are switched on only when necessary, has already been mastered.
It is advisable to insulate places where pipelines pass through the walls of structures and buildings mineral wool, foam and glass wool to avoid direct contact of the walls of the building with the walls of the pipe.
When settling in summer cottage For plumbing, it is best to use pipes that have a diameter of at least 50 millimeters, because pipes with a smaller diameter are more susceptible to freezing.
When choosing between a variety of polymer water pipes, you need to know that polypropylene pipes can burst after 2-3 defrosts, and polyethylene pipes They tolerate the repeated process of defrosting and freezing very well.
If in winter the sewerage system and water supply are used irregularly, then the best option would be to completely drain the water from the system.

Thus, in winter, owners of private houses often encounter water in their water supply freezing. In this situation, the main thing is to react in time and take the necessary measures. To defrost a water pipe, you can use traditional methods defrosting using a special apparatus for defrosting pipes and using internal and external heating. Also, along with this, there are effective alternative methods, proven folk craftsmen on practice.