frozen pipes hairdryer trick- will this work?

You don't want to heat the drain, you want to heat the water pipes themselves. It can work, depending on how badly the pipe is frozen. Don't use anything stronger than a hair dryer; you can start a fire. Also be aware that the pipe may have already ruptured in the wall somewhere, but it isn't leaking because the ice is stopping it from doing so. You need to turn off the main water valve and drain the water from the entire house (open faucet in basement/lowest level and one or more on higher levels of house). Then try thawing the pipe or waiting for the temp to warm up. When you turn the main valve back on (close up all the faucets), do it carefully and listen for water running inside the wall. If you hear it running, you know you have a burst pipe. Otherwise, you may be OK.

Are the drains frozen or the supply lines you could try to melt the ice in the pipes however if the pipes are cracked from freezing the water will start pouring out they may need to be replaced and insulated

don't worry about the drain pipes. worry about the supply lines. and be prepared, if any of the pipes did burst, as they defrost they will leak. use a hair dryer on the supply lines with taps open. inspect the pipes, (supple lines), that you can see. if you have leaks, turn water off at street and get some help with repairs, plumber friend whatever.

Well, it may or may not work. I think you may have to suck it up and go underneath the house. Ours have froze many times and we usually hook up a space heater and put it close to the main water line. It usually un-thawed them within an hour or so! Hope to help!

turn the facets on and use the dryer near the pipes..it worked for me ..good luck

no its a waste of time- someone has to go under

hard situation. query using google or bing. that will may help!