Winter weather has arrived for much of North America and with that comes the normal cold weather woes, including the risk of snow, sleet and ice along with flu season and freezing temperatures. Those low temperatures can also cause a specific plumbing issue for homeowners – frozen pipes.
A frozen pipe is a typical, yet sometimes large-scale plumbing issue to encounter. When the weather is cold and the temperature dips below freezing, the water in your home’s pipes may freeze and enlarge, which can result in anything from a minor leak to full-fledge flooding.
There are several signs that can tip you off to a frozen pipe. If you notice a water line covered in frost or any lumps within the pipe, that is a pretty distinct symbol that your water pipe is frozen. While it may seem obvious to know if your water lines are frozen, just realize that not all plumbing pipes are easy to see. If you turn on the sink and the water is not running, or not flowing properly, or your toilets won’t refill after a flush, that’s also an indication that your pipes could be frozen.
So what can you do if you think your pipes might be frozen? It is very important to turn off the power to your water supply before you attempt to thaw your pipe in order to stop the pipe from breaking. Try warming the frozen area of the pipe with heated water or packing towels that have been soaked in hot water around your water pipes. If these actions don’t solve the problem, call a professional plumber in to assist. Do not attempt to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or anything else with an open flame, as these are fire risks.
If the pipe has actually burst, begin soaking up the water with a mop, rags or sponges to clean up as much as you can before it causes damage. If the damage is critical, go ahead and call your insurance agent – some homeowners insurance policies cover burst pipes that cause water damage.
The American Red Cross recommends taking these actions to prevent your pipes from freezing:
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Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
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Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to enable warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any dangerous cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
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When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps stop pipes from freezing.
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Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
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If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
If these preventative steps don’t work and you find yourself combating frozen pipes this winter, call the plumbing Experts—available 24/7/365— to help at 614-334-3192 or schedule an appointment online.