Winter is the most terrible enemy of your plumbing system. Frozen pipes don’t merely disturb your comfortable routine; they also result in burst pipes, reduce water pressure, and bring expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are several things you can do both to prevent pipes from freezing and how to thaw them safely. In this guide, the experts at Rooter Man Plumbing will provide tips to help protect your pipes during cold weather and avoid potential disasters.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If your pipes freeze, the sooner you can act, the better off you will be to help prevent them from bursting and causing water damage. Following are some safe methods to thaw frozen pipes:
1. Apply Gradual Heat
Avoid the use of direct heat or open flames. Instead, try using these safe methods for slowly heating your pipes:
Hair dryer: Put your hair dryer to a low setting and blow warm air onto the frozen part of the pipe. Keep moving the dryer up and down in order to distribute the heat evenly.
Heat Wrap: Wrap a heat wrap around the pipe and secure it. Leave it on until your pipe unfreezes.
Towels Soaked in Hot Water: Soak towels in hot water, wring them to take out the excess water, and then wrap them around the frozen part of the pipe. Keep replacing these with new warm ones as they get cold.
Space Heater Set up: Place a space heater inches from the frozen pipe so that the ambient temperature around the pipe begins to rise.
2. Let More Water Run
Now, very slowly turn on the tap that is nearest the pipe. Running water may help melt some of the ice as it passes through. Leave the faucet open until the pipe is completely thawed.
3. Call in a Professional Plumber
This is an advisable step when there is uncertainty about where the freeze is occurring or how serious it is. They are thus the best to handle such a procedure with tools meant for the job, doing it safely to avoid further damage.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Prevention is critical for frozen pipes to be avoided. Here’s what you can do to keep your pipes from freezing during cold weather:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes with either foam insulation or pre-formed pipe sleeves, especially those found in crawl spaces, attics, and near exterior walls. Proper insulation prevents the loss of heat to keep your pipes warm enough not to freeze.
2. Seal Leaks and Cracks
Check around pipes for openings in walls, windows, or doors. Seal the gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep cold air away from your pipes.
3. Let Faucets Drip
When the temperature drops substantially, let your vulnerable faucets drip. A small, steady water flow can help prevent pipes from freezing by keeping the water moving.
4. Keep Indoor Temperature Consistent
Keep your home at a reasonable temperature even when you’re away from the house. Avoid the rapid sills of temperature, which could freeze your pipes.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
In cold periods, set cabinet doors under sinks open in order to allow warm air circulate around the pipes. This is very much relevant with kitchen and bathroom pipes running along exterior walls.
6. Replace Old Pipes
Older pipes freeze, burst, and other forms of damage are more likely. Consider their replacement before they fail. New pipes provide improved water pressure and quality and can even prevent issues that will occur in the future.
Need Help Thawing Frozen Pipes? Call Rooter Man Plumbing
Improperly thawing frozen pipes can lead to severe consequences, such as cracked pipes or house fires from open flames. If you are unsure of how to safely thaw your frozen pipes yourself, then it is best to call in a professional plumber. Here at Rooter Man Plumbing, our staff can locate the freeze and thaw pipes while preventing further damage safely. Whether burst pipes, repiping, or even general plumbing service, just let us know how we can assist you. For professional service, don’t hesitate to contact us today.