Frozen Pipes 101: How to Prevent & Resolve Them
Frozen pipes can be a major problem, causing water damage and creating a costly and time-consuming repair project. It is important to be proactive and prevent pipes from freezing, but it is also helpful to know what to do if they do freeze. At Hansen Super Techs, we have seen frozen pipes and their devastation time and time again. As a result, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to prevent and resolve frozen pipes in your home.
Preventing Pipes From Freezing
The best way to handle frozen pipes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips you can implement to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter season. If you are ever unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to call a plumber in Mobile, AL.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating pipes is the most effective way to prevent them from freezing. Insulation can be found at most hardware stores and can be easily cut to size to fit your pipes. Focus on insulating pipes located in unheated areas, such as the attic, basement, or garage.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air can enter your home through cracks and gaps, causing pipes to freeze. Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, ceiling, and floors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent cold air from entering your home. This may be an overwhelming task for the average homeowner. Thus, we recommend calling a plumber in Mobile, AL to help you with this project.
Keep Your Home Warm
Keeping your home warm during cold snaps is an important step in preventing frozen pipes. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even if you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time. This is a key step in preventing the disaster that comes with frozen or burst pipes.
Allow Faucets to Drip
Running water, even a slow trickle, can prevent pipes from freezing. Open your faucets slightly, especially on the side of your home that is exposed to the cold, and allow a small amount of water to flow continuously. This will keep the fluid moving and prevent them from freezing and expanding the pipes to a potential burst.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Disconnecting outdoor hoses from faucets and draining them can prevent water from freezing in the hoses and causing pipes to freeze. Store hoses in a sheltered area, such as the garage or shed, to protect them from the cold.
How to Troubleshoot Frozen Pipes
If you get thrown into the unlucky circumstance of dealing with frozen pipes, you will need to take some steps in order to troubleshoot this problem. Before calling a plumber in Mobile, AL, try one of these steps to help you thaw out those frozen pipes.
Locate Frozen Pipes
First and foremost, you must find where the frozen pipes are located. Usually, frozen pipes are in unheated areas, such as the attic or the garage. You can usually identify frozen pipes by a lack of water flow or by touching the pipes to see if they are cold to the touch.
Apply Heat
Applying heat to frozen pipes can help thaw them. You can use a hair dryer, space heater, or hot towels to warm the pipes. Be sure to use caution when you use a heating device, as it can be a fire hazard.
Open Faucets
Once you have applied heat to the frozen pipes, open the faucets to allow water to flow. This will help thaw the pipes and prevent them from bursting.
Call a Plumber in Mobile, AL
If you are unable to thaw out the pipes, or if you are unsure of how to resolve the issue, the best thing you can do is contact a plumber. Hansen Super Techs is known for providing prompt and efficient repairs for all your plumbing concerns. Give us a call and experience a quick resolution of your frozen pipes. We are available around the clock for emergency repairs at (251) 227-4441.