Heat Lamps for Water Pipes: A Proactive Approach to Frozen Pipe Prevention

Heat lamps for water pipes are a proactive approach to preventing frozen pipes, which can burst and cause costly damage.

Water pipes are most susceptible to freezing in temperatures below 25°F (-4°C).

In areas prone to freezing temperatures, heat lamps can be placed near exposed pipes to keep them thawed and prevent damage.

It's essential to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat lamp accordingly to ensure the pipes remain above freezing.

Frozen pipes can be a real headache, but there are several solutions to thaw them quickly and safely. If you notice your pipes are frozen, shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the home's main water shutoff valve.

To identify the frozen pipe, follow it back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas, such as an exterior wall or unheated crawl space. Look for areas of the pipe that have frost or ice, and it may be slightly bulged or fissured.

You have three options for thawing the pipe: turn up the heat in the house and wait, cut out a section of the wall or ceiling to access the frozen section of pipe, or use an infrared lamp to help heat the wall section in front of where you believe the pipe is frozen.

If the pipe is exposed, you can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable heater to thaw it. Place a cookie sheet behind the pipe if it's close to the wall to help radiate heat onto the backside of the pipe. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or another open flame device as these are a fire hazard.

Here are some safe and effective ways to thaw a frozen pipe:

If none of these methods work, it's time to call a professional plumber.

Using an infrared lamp is a great option to unfreeze your pipes. Keep in mind to use it in 10-15 minute sessions, which is the recommended duration for safety and efficiency.

To get the most out of an infrared lamp, place it about two feet away from the pipe. This distance ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and won't cause any damage to the pipe or surrounding area.

To unfreeze pipes in your house, place heat lamps or space heaters strategically.

If there's no standing water, using one of these devices can be effective.

Don't use a heat lamp or space heater if the pipe is already leaking.

If you do use a heat lamp or space heater, make sure it's not near standing water.

Our heat lamps for water pipes are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, built to UL/CSA/SE standards.

The Powerblanket technology used in these heat lamps allows for simple and fast installation, uninstallation, and reinstallation, saving you labor costs and downtime.

This technology also enables the heat lamps to be used in harsh outdoor environments, protecting your fluids from freezing and making it a real possibility to keep your pipes or pipeline safe.