Frozen water supply - no problem! How to defrost any pipe using a homemade steam generator

If the water supply is poorly insulated, then one fine frosty day the water in the pipe will freeze. What to do in this case, dig? But where exactly? There are many questions, but you need to act quickly. One of the solutions: to assemble a steam generator from available tools and defrost the pipe with it. How - read on.

The principle of operation of the steam generator

There is nothing tricky here: the steam generator generates steam by heating water in a closed container with an adjustable outlet. Evaporation product - steam heated to 140–160 degrees Celsius expands in volume and thus creates excess pressure. Under pressure, hot steam is forced out through an opening from where it can be directed to the desired location.

How to whip up a steam generator

For the manufacture of the simplest steam generator you will need: a sealed container; oxygen hose or silicone / plastic tube; fitting for the size of the hose / tube; fitting gasket; clamp.

As a container, you can use: a pressure cooker; flask; alcohol mashine; old gas cylinder or fire extinguisher.

There are two requirements for the tube: length to reach the ice plug; heat resistance - the tube should not deform and become unusable from high temperatures.

How to collect

The assembly method depends on the selected container. If the steam generator is from a flask, pressure cooker or fire extinguisher, in general, from a container where there is a lid, then you need to drill a hole in the lid and install the fitting on the nut.

When using a gas cylinder, the fitting must be welded in, and the valve must be used to supply water. In the case of using a KAMAZ receiver, a valve can be installed in the neck under the hose, and the remaining holes can be plugged.

Next, a tube or hose is attached to the fitting using a clamp, and the steam generator is ready to work!

How to defrost

Pour water into the container by ⅓ of its volume and heat to a boil. A blowtorch, gas stove or fire can be used as a heat source - it all depends on the place of work. When the water boils, steam will go through the tube and you can start defrosting.

To remove the ice block, you must first gain access to the pipe, for example, disconnect the tap. Then you need to put the hose into the water supply system, push it all the way into the ice plug and, as the ice thaws, move it until the water supply system is restored. It is necessary to monitor the water level in the tank and add if necessary.

The steam effectively melts the ice: a meter-long congestion is removed in 15 minutes.

How did you defrost the water pipe? Write in the comments!

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