Pipes - Clearing Frozen Drain

Water that won't drain or moves "like molasses" during extreme cold is a primary sign.

Once the pipe is flowing freely, take steps to prevent a recurrence: clearing frozen drain pipes

Before attempting any thawing method, remember these two rules to prevent a plumbing disaster: Water that won't drain or moves "like molasses"

If you have access to the pipe, you can use a heating cable or "heat tape" wrapped around the pipe. If you don't have one, standard electrical wire can sometimes be used in a pinch (stripped and twisted to create resistance), but this is dangerous and generally not recommended for non-professionals. Stick to commercially available heat tape. Stick to commercially available heat tape

Drain pipes (waste and vent lines) typically contain standing or slow-moving water, making them susceptible to freezing. They are often located in unheated areas of a home, such as: