I just filled an empty squash bottle with hot water from the tap and went outside and tipped it over the pipe. I did that about 4 or 5 times and it defrosted enough to drain away. I didn't bother to completely thaw it out as I thought it would probably freeze again. However I'm keeping an eye on the pipe inside to make sure it doesn't start filling up again. I'm not quite sure why that particular pipe is there, when they next come to check the boiler I'll mention it, as I didn't think it was supposed to have much water coming out of it.Anita Bensoussane wrote:How did you thaw the outside pipe, Katharine? My kitchen floor flooded a few days ago because the outside pipe into which the washing-machine drains was frozen (and still is). I thought of trying to thaw the pipe but I wasn't sure how successful I'd be, especially as it goes underground after a short distance, so for the last four days I've been putting the end of the flexible draining hose into a bucket while the washing-machine is on (the hose won't reach the sink). It's a nuisance as it means I have to keep an eye on the washing-machine, because the bucket has to be emptied quite regularly or it overflows!
Sorry to hear about your washing machine problem, not sure what the solution would be for you if it goes underground. Fingers crossed it will sort itself out when the weather warms up. Sounds like a real nuisance for you.