There are many things to look forward to in the winter, but frozen pipes are something every homeowner fears. Unexpected problems and costly plumbing repairs could result from pipes freezing. It’s better to avoid frozen pipes in the first place than to try to fix them later. There are a few things that every homeowner has to know in order to pull this off successfully. Unfortunately, finding the problem and fixing it effectively are two very different stories once your pipes have frozen. And oftentimes, calling an emergency plumber is your best option.
If you want to be better prepared for colder weather, understand where and when pipes may freeze, and want to learn how to avoid this issue altogether, then you have come to the right place! For more information on thawing frozen pipes, see this detailed guide to frozen pipes.
Reasons for pipe freezing
Typically, water in pipes doesn’t freeze until the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, even though water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature outside drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes that aren’t adequately insulated might burst due to the pressure within.
When water freezes, the expansion forces it out of the pipe. As water freezes in a pipe, the pressure between the ice and a closed endpoint like a faucet or washing machine hose rises. When the pressure within the pipe exceeds the capacity of the limited space, the pipe bursts.
Locate the frozen pipe
The frozen pipe will likely be located in either your basement or your crawlspace. Because they are buried beneath the permafrost, pipes that are buried in the ground shouldn’t freeze. However, the areas of the house closest to the ground tend to be the coldest.
The first step in this guide to frozen pipes is shutting off the water supply to that section of pipe. For any cracks or holes brought on by the expansion of ice, the frozen water can be employed as a plug. When the water finally melts, it might flood your basement with all its force. Check the piping in the cellar or underground room. Frost or ice will form a shell around the frozen object, and the ice may expand to distort its shape. If there is a leak, it is likely in more than one pipe, so be thorough in your inspection.
What should be done if pipes freeze?
If your pipes freeze, it may be tempting to check into nearby buildings in search of hot water. According to experts from royalmovingco.com, to avoid potential dangers, please observe these safety precautions:
- In case the frozen pipe is underground or inside a wall and can’t be reached, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber
- If you can access a frozen pipe, warm air may be used to melt it. Space heaters, heat tape, and hair dryers may all be used, but only under supervision. Turn on the water gently at first as you look for leaks. Perhaps at this point, you’ll need to bring in some outside assistance
- In the event that the water is still not coming, repeat the process a couple of times
If thawing a frozen pipe isn’t an option due to its breakage, turning off the water main is the best approach to avoid flooding. As soon as possible, wipe up the remaining water and call a plumber. After a plumber has assessed the damage, you may file a claim with your insurance company.
Warnings that it’s time to call a plumber
Although this article covers certain do-it-yourself techniques, it is essential to remember that even these have limitations. We suggest you only use the do-it-yourself (DIY) methods we gave you as a last resort or as a precaution while waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive. In the event that any of the following occur, it may be time to call in an experienced plumber:
- If you are unable to identify the frozen pipe’s location
- If you’re unsure whether you can defrost the pipes on your own
- If you live in an older home and are worried that the pipes may burst due to the cold, or if you have any other reason to suspect that the problem goes deeper than simple freezing, then you should phone 911 immediately
If you have any of the aforementioned problems, you must call a professional plumbing service that has the expertise and tools to fix burst pipes quickly and safely.
How to prevent pipe freezing
The last step in this guide to frozen pipes is winterizing your pipes. If you take the necessary steps to winterize your pipes, you can avoid having to deal with frozen pipes and their potentially expensive consequences. Pipes are most likely to freeze when they are exposed to the outdoors. Pipes within your home can freeze if the temperature drops low enough, even though most freezes happen in the basement or crawlspace. Pipe insulation is a cheap method of preventing pipes from freezing. It’s cheap and efficient at preventing pipes from freezing.
Maintain a trickle from faucets to keep water from freezing solid. The water pressure doesn’t need to be all the way up; a slow trickle will do. The safety of your pipes requires that you not switch off or lessen the heat at night. While this will result in higher electricity costs, it may prevent pipe bursts due to freezing temperatures. The most effective and lasting solution is to insulate the affected areas, such as garages, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Put a stop to drafts entering through cracks and other openings by sealing them.
In Conclusion
Having to deal with frozen pipes is among the most difficult challenges a homeowner can encounter. In addition to the fact that you will need to deal with the pipes and the cold, there is also a substantial possibility that water damage may occur. Using the tips in this guide to frozen pipes, there is no better time than now to start taking precautions to protect your plumbing system’s weak spots.