Plumber Advises Caution with Pipe Freezing, Declares Cold Water Lines “Off Limits”
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – A Swedish plumbing professional is cautioning colleagues about the inherent risks of using freezing techniques to isolate water in pipes, admitting the method feels “unreliable” and carries the potential for unexpected water releases. Fredrik Roos, a plumbing fitter at Roos VVS, shared his experiences and advice in a series of videos on TikTok and Instagram, gaining traction within the plumbing community.
Roos uses pipe freezing several times each winter,primarily when replacing radiator valves,but stresses the lack of complete control. “Not even the thermometer of the machine that shows how cold it is can keep me one hundred percent calm, there is a concern that the ice plug will release,” he explained. He recounted instances where the ice plug unexpectedly gave way, resulting in water bursts from pressure in connected radiators, requiring a swift response.
The plumber’s advice centers on patience and preparedness. He recommends avoiding rushing the freezing process, ensuring the valve is fully frozen before removal, and keeping an aerator readily available to periodically check if the water is truly solid.
roos draws a firm line with one type of pipe: cold water feeds. “Only bad boys freeze cold water feeds. I’m too cowardly for that,” he stated.
He acknowledges a degree of inherent risk and excitement in the process, describing the job as “a charm in itself with a little excitement, that you have to be a little extra awake and fast sometimes.” Roos emphasizes the importance of practice for anyone considering using the technique, especially for smaller jobs like valve replacements.
