Frozen Tub Drain Verified Info

I live in an older farmhouse in the upper Midwest. We’re used to harsh winters, but this past January brought a polar vortex that tested the limits of our insulation. We woke up to -20°F temperatures and the distinct, sinking feeling that something was wrong with the plumbing. I went to take a shower, and while the water came out hot, it simply wouldn’t go down. It wasn’t a clog of hair or soap scum; it was a solid block of ice. My tub drain had frozen solid.

A frozen drain is different from a clogged drain. If you pour hot water down and it drains away after a few seconds, it’s likely a clog. If the water sits in the tub or drains extremely slowly and temperatures have been below freezing, ice is the likely culprit.

Once the water drained, I kept the hot water running for a good ten minutes to ensure all residual ice in the pipe was gone. Then, I tackled the root cause. frozen tub drain

Tub drain froze overnight. Fixing it has been ineffective due to standing water in the drain when I discovered it. How can I get the water out?

I checked the access panel on the wall behind the tub handles. Sure enough, the pipes were running along an uninsulated exterior wall. The draft coming through the hole in the subfloor was freezing cold. The ice wasn't at the surface; it was 3 feet down inside the waste pipe. I live in an older farmhouse in the upper Midwest

Don't worry; we've got you covered! Here are some solutions to help you thaw and fix a frozen tub drain:

Use a small plastic cup, bucket, or sponge to empty the bathtub completely. I went to take a shower, and while

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, your tub drain might be frozen:

Cheap, effective, safe for pipes. Cons of the situation: Wet, cold, labor-intensive.