In extremely cold weather, water supply pipes are susceptible to freezing & bursting. Plumbers commonly provide guidance on preventing pipe freezing, but they may not always offer advice on dealing with frozen pipes.
Here are some recommended steps you can take to safely remedy and prevent frozen pipes. By following these tips, you can prevent or minimize significant damage.
- Close the water main leading into the structure & partially open any faucets connected to the pipe. This will alleviate pressure on the frozen pipes & mitigate potential flooding in case of pipe bursts. This precaution is especially crucial if you will be away from home.
- If the frozen pipe is exposed & visible, apply heat by utilizing a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the ice blockage. It is crucial to avoid using an open flame & ensure that space heaters are positioned at a safe distance from walls & flammable materials to mitigate fire hazards.
- Inspect the exposed pipes for any signs of leaks. Even when the water main is turned off, there will still be sufficient pressure to detect leaks once the pipe has thawed.
- Please call a plumber equipped to thaw the pipes with special equipment to restore the flow in your pipes. They will also be able to tell if there is water damage and repair any damaged pipes where necessary.
- Even if no leaks are detected, it is advisable for a plumber to inspect pipes that have endured a severe freeze. In some cases, replacing the pipes may be necessary due to material stretching & fatigue, which increases the risk of potential future failures.
Please be aware that once the pipes thaw, there is a possibility of water spewing inside walls if a pipe has burst. This can lead to significant property damage due to flooding.
At Proficient Plumbing Solutions, we provide water restoration & plumbing services. This allows us to offer comprehensive assistance to home & business owners facing issues related to frozen pipes.
Proficient Plumbing Solutions provides 24/7 emergency services, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing frozen pipes. Our certified plumbers have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely thaw and repair damaged pipes.
Additionally, we offer preventative measures such as pipe insulation to reduce the likelihood of future freezes.
Please take a look at our articles on the subject of pipe freezing:
