Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, and one of the most common cold-weather emergencies is frozen pipes. When we see temperatures drop as low as they have this winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze, causing blockages and increasing the risk of pipe bursts. If left untreated, this can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs. Today we want to share with you the essential steps to take when your pipes freeze and how to prevent this issue in the future.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
First, let’s talk about how to recognize the signs of freezing pipes.
Watch for these signs:
- No or slow water flow: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle (or no water) comes out, a pipe may be frozen.
- Frosty pipes and fixtures: Visible frost on exposed pipes is a clear indication of freezing, sometimes you can even feel the metal to see if it is colder than room temperature.
- Unusual odors: A strange smell from your drain or faucet may suggest that ice is blocking water flow and causing backups.
- Bulging pipes: If a section of pipe appears swollen, it may be at risk of bursting due to ice expansion.
Steps to Take When Your Pipes Freeze
If you see any of these signs or suspect your pipes might be freezing, here are some of the things you can do to quickly to minimize potential damage:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve and turn it off. This will prevent excess water from rushing through the pipes if they burst.
2. Identify the Frozen Section
Check exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or under sinks. If the frozen pipe is behind a wall, look for signs like condensation or frost buildup.
3. Open Faucets
Open the affected faucet slightly. This relieves pressure and allows water to flow as the ice melts.
4. Apply Heat
Use one of these methods to safely thaw the pipe:
- Hairdryer: Direct warm air along the pipe, starting near the faucet and moving toward the frozen section.
- Heating pad or warm towels: Wrap the pipe with an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water.
- Space heater: Place a small heater in the room (keeping safety in mind) to gradually warm the pipes.
DO NOT use open flames, blowtorches, or propane heaters, as they pose serious fire hazards.
5. Check for Leaks
Once the pipe thaws, inspect it for cracks or leaks. Even a small rupture can lead to significant water damage when full water pressure is restored.
6. Call a Professional if Needed
If you can’t locate the frozen section, the pipe is inaccessible, or you notice a burst pipe, call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage. We recommend our sister company: 1-Tom-Plumber. They provide emergency plumbing services 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They get to you fast, triage the problem, prevent further damage, and help get your home back to normal. Call them any time at 1-256-274-5488.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so it’s always better to keep you pipes from freezing in the first place. When temperatures drop below freezing, here are the things we recommend you do to protect your home and your plumbing:
1. Insulate Pipes
- Use foam insulation on exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
- Consider heat tape or pipe sleeves for extra protection.
2. Keep Water Flowing
- On extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you’re away.
- Close garage doors to keep warm air inside if pipes run through the garage.
4. Seal Drafts
- Use caulk or insulation to seal gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks where cold air can enter.
5. Drain Outdoor Pipes
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves before freezing temperatures arrive.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
If the worst should happen and your pipes freeze and burst, you will need to take immediate action by:
- Turning off the main water supply to stop flooding.
- Shutting off electricity in affected areas if water is near electrical outlets.
- Contacting an emergency plumber to assess and repair the damage.
- Call a water damage restoration service if flooding has occurred to prevent mold and structural issues. (Hey that’s us! We always come when you call and are experts at mitigating damage, restoring your home, and helping you navigate the insurance process)
Remember … you don’t have to wait. You can take steps to protect your home today.
Don’t wait until freezing temperatures like these strike—take action now to protect your home from frozen pipes. Whether you need an inspection, insulation recommendations, or emergency repairs, Rick-n-Ball Restoration is here to help. Give us a call and let us know how we can serve you.
