How do I stop my pipes from freezing?

Karin
by Karin

Two years ago we had a room built on our house with a laundry room. Last year we had a cold winter in the south and the drain pipe froze 2 times. For several days each time. I know plenty of insulation was used and during the coldest days I kept the doors open with a space heater in there. Is there any thing else I can do?

  6 answers
  • Julu72 Julu72 on Dec 02, 2018

    Wrap pipes with pool noodles.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 02, 2018

    Great response from julu, another thing I would do would be leave the water open and on trickle to keep the pipes unfrozen and flowing through.

    • Karin Karin on Dec 02, 2018

      There is no water unless the washing machine is draining.

  • Pamk Pamk on Dec 02, 2018

    They used to make electric wrap that you could put on mobile home pipes to keep them from freezing. You would wrap it around the pipes and then plug it in. I have no idea if they still make it. Also you can leave the water turned on s little at the faucet to keep movement running through the pipes

  • Karin Karin on Dec 02, 2018

    It is just the drain pipe and I can't get to it in the wall.

  • Seth Seth on Dec 02, 2018

    Karin,

    Is the room built on a cement slab or is there a crawl space or basement underneath? How is your washing machine drain connected to the main drain system of your house? You mentioned plenty of insulation was used. Where exactly is the insulation? is it on your supply lines? In the wall cavities? Where do the supply lines come into the room? Is your washer located on an exterior wall or the wall that connects to your house? Sorry for all the questions, but the solution to your problem depends on exactly how everything was constructed to begin with. More information will help us steer you in the right direction.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Dec 02, 2018

    The drain pipe isn't insulated well if at all if it's freezing.It needs insulation between drain & outside wall. Need to open outside wall & add insulation.Can't really use spray foam because that would fill entire area &block what little heat it's getting from interior wall. You could try adding some Epsom salt rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol to drain these all melt ice, but really need long term fix of adding insulation . Or save a bunch of money watch upcoming weather reports and don't do any laundry if it's going to be freezing.