Do's and DON'TS to Safely Thaw a Frozen PVC Water Main
From
City of Bayou Vista
Sent
Mon, Jan 26 @ 6:47pm
Description
Important: PVC does not stretch like PEX.
Rushing heat or trapping pressure can cause delayed pipe failure. DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME, TORCHES OR PROPANE HEATERS!
Open or direct flame may cause a pipe to burst which leads to bigger problems for the homeowner and utility district.
DO’s
● Open a faucet inside the house first (closest to where the line enters). Leave it open to relieve pressure.
● Open the meter box and clear out ice, slush, and standing water.
● Inspect the pipe and fittings for visible damage before applying heat.
● Start heating on the house side of the meter and work toward the frozen section.
● Use gentle heat only: a hair dryer (low/medium), approved heat tape, or a space heater blowing warm air.
● Wrap the pipe with a dry towel or insulation before applying heat to spread warmth evenly.
● Keep heat moving and be patient. Expect 20–60 minutes.
● Once water flows, let it run steadily for 10–20 minutes.
● Continue gentle heat another 10–15 minutes after flow returns.
● Re-insulate the meter box and close the lid tightly when finished.
DON’Ts
● Do NOT use open flame, torches, or propane heaters.
● Do NOT use a heat gun on high or concentrate heat in one spot.
● Do NOT pour boiling or very hot water directly on PVC or fittings.
● Do NOT close all faucets while thawing (pressure causes bursts).
● Do NOT bend, pry, or strike frozen PVC.
● Do NOT leave heaters unattended.
● Do NOT assume it’s safe once water flows—monitor for leaks for 24 hours.
Best Practice Summary: Open a faucet → open the meter box → wrap the pipe → apply slow, gentle heat from the house side → keep water flowing once thawed → reinsulate.
This notification was posted by City of Bayou Vista. City of Bayou Vista is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
