Winter’s chill brings with it a common household nightmare: frozen pipes. When the temperature plummets, the water inside your pipes can freeze, leading to burst pipes and potential property damage. But fear not! We’re here to walk you through what to do if your pipes freeze, how to unfreeze them, and steps to prevent this cold weather calamity in the future.
Understanding Frozen Pipes: The Basics
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand the problem. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes. This is especially true for plastic pipes and those located along exterior walls. If the pressure is too high, the pipes may burst, leading to significant water damage.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
- Only a trickle of water (or none) comes out when you turn on the faucet.
- Frost is visible on the pipes.
- Strange smells coming from the faucet or drain (indicating a blockage).
Immediate Actions: Thawing Frozen Pipes
1. Locate the Frozen Section
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, a frozen pipe may be the suspect. Check exposed pipes in unheated areas, under sinks, and along exterior walls.
2. Open the Faucet
Open both the hot and cold handles of the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This helps relieve pressure in the system and allows water to escape once you begin to thaw the pipe.
3. Apply Heat
Start thawing near the faucet end and work your way down to the frozen section. Use a hair dryer, a space heater, or thermostatically controlled heat tape. Remember, never use a propane torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or any other open flame device.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid using electrical devices in areas of standing water.
- Keep flammable materials away to minimize fire risk.
4. Check Other Faucets
While you’re at it, check other faucets in your home to see if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others might freeze too.
If a Pipe Bursts
Immediately shut off the main water supply to prevent further flooding. Contact a professional immediately for plumbing repairs in Murray, UT. Big Brothers Home Services is ready to assist with any burst pipe emergencies.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Insulate Pipes: Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas.
- Seal Leaks: Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
- Thermostat Settings: Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night. During a cold snap, it is not advisable to lower the temperature at night.
- Exposed Pipes Protection: For pipes in cabinets or exterior walls, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the plumbing.
- Let Water Drip: Allow a trickle of water to drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes or pipes that run through unheated areas.
- Heating Cables and Heat Tape: Use heating cables or heat tape on exposed pipes. These electrical products keep pipes warm during cold spells.
- Space Heaters: In extremely cold weather, a space heater can provide extra warmth to areas with exposed pipes, but ensure it’s used safely.
- Monitor Freeze Alerts: Stay aware of freezing weather forecasts and prepare in advance.
Save Your Pipes With Big Brothers Home Services
If you’re struggling with frozen pipes or want to prepare your home against the cold, Big Brothers Home Services is here to help. Our team of experts can professionally insulate and protect your water pipes, install heating solutions, and provide emergency plumbing services in Murray, UT if your pipes freeze or burst. Don’t let frozen pipes disrupt your winter. Contact us today for peace of mind and professional assistance!
Remember, when it comes to frozen pipes, act fast to minimize damage and prevent future occurrences. Stay warm, stay safe, and trust Big Brothers Home Services to keep your water flowing all winter long.