What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze?
Frozen pipes are a common problem and cause great inconvenience and expensive damage. As the temperature drops, the risk of frozen pipes increases. It can be challenging to prevent frozen pipes if they lack insulation and are exposed to harsh elements. However, practicing preventative measures can help you save money and avoid significant damage to your home. Since frozen pipes disrupt the water flow in multiple fixtures, implementing ways to thaw frozen pipes can help. Consulting with the best plumber in Sacramento can help you employ the best solution to prevent frozen pipes.
Here Are the Ways to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Shut off the water supply and leave all faucets leading to the pipes open. Shutting off water lowers the amount of water leaking inside walls. Moreover, this reduces the pressure on the frozen water pipes, which can burst or cause flooding. Any pipe can break due to increasing water pressure, regardless of its strength.
Heat the area until the water pressure is back to normal. Call a qualified plumber if you cannot find the frozen spot, if it is unreachable, or if you can’t thaw the pipe.
Patching the foundation can be effective. In many cases, pipes freeze along the exterior of the wall. Call an expert who will insert a layer of fiberglass insulation between the pipes and the interior of the foundation. Small crevices filled with spray foam foundation can also help.
Never thaw frozen pipes using a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heater, a charcoal stove, or any other appliance with an open flame, posing a fire risk. Additionally, you should avoid using a space heater unless you are sure there are no combustible materials around. Always keep an eye on the space heater while using them to thaw frozen pipes. You can use a hair dryer to thaw the ice blockage.
Contact the expert plumber in your area who will look for leaks and use pipe- thawing equipment to eliminate the issue.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Proper insulation in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
- Plumbing insulation is necessary.
- Repairing wall cracks to prevent cold air from coming into the house.
- Keep your house heated to 55 degrees or higher whether you are on vacation.
- Open your under-sink cabinets during severely cold weather to keep hot air flowing, and leave the faucets slightly open to keep water flowing.
Conclusion
Winterizing your plumbing system is necessary to avoid inconvenience in cold weather. Dealing with frozen pipes can be overwhelming. However, preparing for it beforehand and practicing good habits can solve your frozen pipe issue and keep your family safe. Hiring a qualified and approved plumber can help you get prepared for winter.