# How to Send Warm Water Down the Toilet Tank to De-Ice the Pipe
A frozen toilet pipe can disrupt an entire household in the cold winter months. Pipes may freeze in older homes or in plumbing systems that need repair. This condition usually can be fixed if treated promptly but it is important to fix the underlying problem to ensure it doesn't happen again. Proper insulation usually is the key to preventing frozen pipes. Never use a blowtorch or extreme heating device to thaw the pipe as this is a serious fire hazard and can ruin your pipes.
Instructions
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1
Wrap towels, cloths or a heating pad around the frozen pipe if you can reach it.
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Turn on all the hot water taps in the house. As the hot water heats the pipes, it also will warm the neighboring pipes, helping the toilet pipe warm.
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3
Pour warm water into the toilet. Continue adding more and more warm water into the toilet. As the ice starts to melt, you can add hot water. Adding hot water too soon to a frozen system can cause the porcelain to crack. Wait until you see the water level start to drop slightly and then add hot water to the bowl.
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4
Continue adding hot water to the toilet until it is cleared completely. Remove the heating pad.
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