Device for thawing frozen pipes

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device for injecting pressurized alcohol solution into a pipe located in a house or other structure that carries water. The device allows the user to control and adjust the pressure of the injected alcohol solution. The pressure forces the alcohol solution against the frozen water inside the pipe. The alcohol solution then acts to dissolve the ice, thereby clearing the blockage and preventing damage to the pipe. The device is hand held, portable and configurable. The embodiment of the device with the hand-operated pump does not require electricity or other sources of power. Alternate embodiments of the device can be broken down into two or more sections for easier storage. Alternate embodiments of the device has one or more of the lengths of connecting pipe or connector or adapter bends at an angle so that the device is not configured in a straight line but has a bend or curve. These alternate embodiments allows for the device to fit into tight or restricted spaces. Alternate embodiments of the device utilize fittings, connectors, valves, gauges, vents and lengths of pipe of different sizes, lengths, diameters and materials. Different solutions or solvents other than an alcohol solution may be used. Also disclosed is the method of using the device.

Claims

1. A device for pumping pressurized alcohol solution and other solutions into cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes or tubing in order to melt a ice blockage within that pipe comprising, (a) a hand operated air pump or a means to compress air connected by a length of pipe to a T connector, (b) the perpendicular or angled arm of the T connector fitting is connected by a short length of pipe to a check valve fitting which functions to maintain positive pressure within the device and to prevent back-flow, (c) the check valve fitting is then connected by an adapter to a flexible intake hose for an alcohol solution, (d) the unconnected end of the flexible intake hose is immersed into a container filled with an alcohol solution, (e) the third arm of the T connector which is not connected to the pump or the check valve leading to the flexible intake hose is connected by a short length of pipe to a second check valve fitting, (f) the second check valve fitting is connected by a short length of pipe to a pressure gauge which could be either analog or digital, (g) the pressure gauge is connected by a short length of pipe to an adjustable air vent which the user can open incrementally to relieve excess pressure, (h) the air vent is connected by a short length of pipe to an adapter fitting that can fit onto an opening for the pipe with the ice blockage, (i) where all the fittings, valves, gauges and pipe components of the device should be air-tight and able to maintain positive pressure within, (j) and with the ideal internal pressure not to exceed 70-80 pounds per square inch when in use, until the PEX tubing expands slightly around the blockage.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the means to compress air is a mechanical pump or air compressor.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more union connectors are inserted between any of the fittings, allowing the device to be unassembled into two or more pieces for convenience or ease of storage.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the sections of pipe or a connector or adapter bends at an angle, allowing the device to fit into tight or restricted spaces.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the separate fittings, connectors, valves, gauges, vents and lengths of pipe are replaced by functionally similar components or by components which perform multiple functions.

6. The method of using the device of claim 1 to thaw frozen pipes.

7. The device of claim 1 with the embodiment in claim 3 wherein one union connector is located between the Pressure Gauge and the Check Valve and a second union connector is located between the air pump or compressor and the T connector leading to the intake hose, allowing the user to disconnect the section of the device between the union connectors and reassemble the section in the opposite orientation, thereby reversing the flow of the device, allowing it to exert negative pressure on the blocked pipe and pulling the blockage towards the user.

Description

5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, where:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for pumping pressured alcohol solution into a pipe in order to melt a ice blockage within that pipe;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the same device as in FIG. 1 but with a union connector or other means of connecting pipes is depicted;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the same device with a union connector in the approximate middle of the length of the device;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a device for pumping pressured alcohol solution into a pipe in order to melt an ice blockage within that pipe.

(6) In accordance with common practice, the various described features/elements are not drawn to scale but instead are drawn to best illustrate specific features/elements relevant to the present invention. Also, like reference numerals and designations in the various drawings are used to indicate like elements/parts.