Frozen Washing machine pipes

[jimmyjam]

Our washing machine is in the garage, the pipes are unlagged (presumably) and go under the garden back to our house. Every year when its cold they freeze and I have a week or so of no washing machine!
Any ideas to clear the ice or to prevent it happening?

[Munter]

Lag them, trace heat them, or keep the water flowing through them all the time.

Thems about your only options I'd think.

[netherfield]

Or bury them a lot deeper

[GreenDog]

Put the washing machine in the house might be another option.

[Munter]

I've had another idea. But I don't think you'll like it. Drain the pipe after use.

No I don't know how. But no water in pipe = no ice blockage.

[jimmyjam]

Thanks all. I was hoping for a miracle answer that didn't involve digging up my garage/ patio/ kitchen or keeping my washing machine running 24/7.
Its off to the launderette for me then

[fatboy b]

I was been busy with a fan-heater yesterday to thaw our pipes out. W/M in garage, but garage is now separate. I've lagged some of the pipes with old towels, but some are still exposed. Guess I have a do a decent job at some point.

Hopefully I won't be starting a "oh crap, my pipes have burst" thread.