What Should You Do If Your Pipes Freeze?

Winter can be beautiful, but it also brings some unpleasant realities, like frozen pipes. Act quickly to avoid damage and costly repairs if your pipes have frozen. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help if your pipes freeze or need pipe repair. However, prevention and knowing what to do can save you expenses. Here are some steps to take if your pipes freeze.

Shut Off Water Supply to Frozen Pipe

When dealing with frozen pipes, turning off their water source is essential.

To address frozen pipes, the initial step is to turn off the water supply to the affected area. Doing this will help avoid further damage from occurring. To do this, locate and activate your main shut-off valve; this will stop all water flow to that area.

Investigate Exposed Pipes to Pinpoint the Frozen Section

Next, you should investigate your exposed pipes to locate frozen sections. Checking their temperature will tell you if they're frozen; if not, they'll feel extremely cold to the touch. Also, look for frost or ice buildup on them. Once identified, start thawing out the frozen portion.

Protect the Pipe from Damage

When thawing your pipes, it is essential to protect them from damage. Never use an open flame or blowtorch, which can cause bursts and extensive harm. Instead, use a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water as a heat source and keep it safe from the pipe while moving it around to distribute heat evenly.

Thawing the Pipe

To thaw out your frozen pipe, turn on the faucet nearest it. This will release pressure in the pipe and enable water to flow more freely once thawed. Next, apply heat to the frozen section of pipe beginning at its closest end to the faucet and work your way towards it; continue applying heat until water begins to come out of the faucet - an indication that it has successfully thawed.

It is essential to call a trusted plumber if you can't locate the frozen section of your pipe or if it has burst. They possess all of the knowledge and tools needed for repair work, helping prevent further issues from arising.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Prevention is vital when it comes to frozen pipes. Here are some tips for keeping your pipes from freezing:

• Insulate Your Pipes: Insulating your pipes is one of the best ways to avoid frozen pipes. This can be done using foam insulation or pipe sleeves.
• Seal any drafts: Check for any drafts in your home and seal them to prevent cold air from seeping into your house and freezing pipes.
• Maintain a Consistent Temperature in Your Home: Maintaining an even temperature in your home helps prevent pipes from freezing. If you plan to be away for an extended period, leave the heat on.
• Open Cabinet Doors: By opening cabinet doors under your sink, you allow warm air to circulate pipes and prevent them from freezing.
• Drip your faucets: Allowing your faucets to drip slightly can help protect your pipes from freezing. This is because the movement of water helps keep it from freezing solid.
• Keep Your Garage Door Closed: If there are pipes in your garage, make sure the garage door stays closed to help keep them warm and prevent them from freezing.
• Store Outdoor Hoses: Drain and store any outdoor hoses before winter arrives. Doing this helps prevent water freezing inside the hoses, potentially leading to pipe damage.
• Maintain a Warm Home: Ensuring your home is adequately insulated will prevent pipes from freezing and help reduce energy bills. Check for gaps or cracks around windows and doors and seal them securely. Moreover, add insulation to the attic and walls to keep your house warm.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Are your frozen pipes or any other plumbing problems? Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers possess the expertise to diagnose and fix any issue quickly and effectively. We offer emergency services so that we're available when you need us most; additionally, our preventative maintenance programs help prevent future plumbing complications from arising. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today for all of your plumbing requirements!