Frozen pipes are common among households during colder months. This is especially true for areas exposed to severe cold, with little or no insulation, or in unheated spots, such as in your yard, attic, basement, or garage. When left unaddressed, these pipes can break, causing water to leak or even burst. Prevent such problems by using this article as your guide.

What Is the Cause Of Frozen Pipes?

When temperatures hit a low enough temperature outside of your home, it can cause your plumbing pipes to freeze, especially if they are not insulated. The water inside can eventually expand and cause them to rupture, meaning they won’t drip out once the pipes burst until that ice thaws. 

You will then get to see and feel the effects of the frozen water in your pipes as temperatures start to warm up and you are trying to enjoy the spring season. Note that pipe ruptures can be large, which means water can leak everywhere it can. This can cause severe damage and danger to your loved ones, home, and plumbing system.

How Do I Thaw Frozen Pipes?

One way to tell if you have a frozen pipe is only a trickle of water comes out if you turn on your faucet. To unfreeze these frozen pipes, you can apply heat to the section of your pipe or until the full water pressure is restored. Do this by wrapping them with towels soaked in hot water or using an electric hair dryer or heating pad. 

Additionally, avoid using a charcoal stove, blowtorch, and other open-flame devices to prevent fire and further destroying your plumbing. You should also keep your faucet open so that running water will start to flow through the pipe and frozen area, which will help melt ice. Meanwhile, if you cannot locate the frozen area in your pipelines or cannot thaw them at all, call licensed emergency plumbers.

What Should I Do If I Have Frozen Pipes?

Thawing frozen water pipes are essential to ensure you have easy access to running water and avoid a burst pipe that can cause injuries to your family and damage your property. Here are some steps you must take if you confirm you have frozen pipes:

• Turn off your water supply

When you encounter a pipe leak caused by frozen pipes, the first thing you should do is to shut off your water supply. This way, you can avoid wasting water and save yourself the hassle of continually cleaning the mess. You can only turn it off again once everything is fixed up. 

• Locate the leak and mop up water

Locate the leak from frozen pipes and clean it up with some towels, mops, and rags. You can also determine if you will have to move certain furniture pieces in your home. On the other hand, you can seek plumbing repair professionals to locate it and do the necessary repairs. 

• Call for help

A leaking or burst pipe due to freezing requires immediate attention. Instead of trying to fix it on your own, seek help from emergency plumbing service providers to ensure you get your pipes repaired as soon as possible. These experts can also give you tips on how to prevent frozen pipes.

Conclusion

Your pipes are essential in ensuring you have running water at home at all times. To ensure they never get frozen during colder weather, keep the information above in mind. Reach out to licensed plumbers like us right away if you have frozen pipes and have trouble fixing them.

At Emergency Plumbing & Heating Company, our team of licensed, insured, and experienced contractors offer top-notch plumbing services in Canada and the US. Contact us to request a quote!