One of the simplest ways to unclog a frozen drain is by pouring hot water down the drain. Here's how:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Best First Action | Avoid | |--------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | No water at kitchen sink, other fixtures fine | Frozen P-trap under sink | Hair dryer on trap | Pouring boiling water (cracks porcelain) | | Shower drains slowly, worse in morning | Partial ice in horizontal run | Hot salt water + wait | Snaking solid ice | | Floor drain gurgles but doesn’t drain | Ice in trap + debris | RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) | Using calcium chloride (damages concrete) | | Entire house drain frozen | Main stack in uninsulated wall | Call plumber (pipe thawing machine) | Torches or high heat | how to unclog frozen drain
Use a cup or bucket to clear as much cold water from the sink or tub as possible. One of the simplest ways to unclog a