What Should You Do If Your Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare in the winter. Not only do they prevent your water from flowing, they also pose a huge risk for bursting if quick action isn’t taken. Knowing what to do when your pipes freeze could save you thousands of dollars, since burst pipes can cause massive property damage by flooding areas of your home.

WHY DO PIPES FREEZE?

During the winter, your water pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Most of us are surprised when a frozen pipe renders our plumbing system unusable or worse, bursts and causes flooding. Below are some factors that can make your pipes more susceptible to freezing:

1. Temperatures of 20 degrees or lower

2. Being in unheated interior spaces

3. Being located in exterior walls

4. Insufficient insulation

5. Drafty areas

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING

1. Seal up cracks in exterior walls

2. Add insulation to unheated interior spaces

3. Open cabinets under sinks

4. Insulate the pipes themselves

5. Keep your home heated

6. Open faucets

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PIPES FREEZE

1. Shut off your water

2. Try to find the frozen pipe spaces

3. Open the faucets connected to that pipe

4. Check for leaks

5. Attempt to thaw

CALL A QUALIFIED PLUMBER FOR FROZEN PIPE REPAIR

Although you can sometimes successfully thaw a pipe by yourself, it’s best to call a professional plumber. TBros will arrive with specialized equipment designed to thaw pipes safely and effectively. We will also be able to identify any damage that isn’t immediately apparent. Even if a frozen pipe seems fine, it might have cracked or burst somewhere you can’t see, meaning it will leak once thawed. If the pipe did not burst or leak, it may have been weakened by the pressure of the ice. Worried about frozen pipes? Give TBros a call today!