Cold weather can be a delight. The winter brings coziness and allows you to warm up by the fireplace, wrap yourself in blankets, and enjoy your favorite bowl of soup. However, if the weather gets too cold, your pipes run the risk of freezing. Here’s what to do if you have frozen pipes.

When the temperature drops, the water inside your pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand and potentially burst. This can lead to costly water damage and a major headache. The key is to act quickly and take the necessary steps to prevent further issues.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

According to the American Red Cross, water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever contains it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

A burst pipe can quickly lead to flooding and water damage, which can be expensive to repair. That’s why it’s important to act quickly if you suspect you have frozen pipes.

How to Identify Frozen Pipes

The most obvious symptom of frozen pipes is when you turn a faucet on full blast, and only a trickle comes out. If this happens when the temperature is well below freezing outside, it’s time to take action! Other signs of frozen pipes include:

• Frost or ice on the outside of the pipe
• A strange or odd odor coming from the pipe
• The sound of running water, even when the faucet is turned off

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the issue right away before the pipe bursts.

What To-Dos for Frozen Pipes

Ignoring frozen pipes could lead to burst pipes and costly water damage. So, time is of the essence. Here are a few things you should know to do if you have to tackle these frigid frustrations:

Turn off the main water line.

The first step is to turn off the main water line to your home. This will prevent any water from flowing through the frozen pipes and minimize the potential for a burst.

Turn on the faucet supplied by the frozen pipe.

Once the main water line is turned off, turn on the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe. This will allow any remaining water to drain out and relieve the pressure on the pipe.

Thaw hidden pipes

If the frozen pipe is hidden behind a wall or ceiling, you’ll need to find a way to thaw it. You can do this by applying heat to the affected area using a space heater, hair dryer, or even hot towels.

Apply heat to exposed pipes.

For pipes that are visible, you can apply direct heat using a space heater, heat lamp, or even a hair dryer. Be careful not to apply too much heat, as this can also damage the pipes.

Avoid certain devices when thawing pipes.

Avoid using a propane, kerosene heater, or an open flame, as these can be a fire hazard. Also, don’t use a high-powered tool like a heat gun, as this can also damage the pipes.

Check for other frozen pipes.

It’s important to check other pipes in your home, as they may also be frozen. Look for any other areas where the water flow has been restricted.

Call a plumber if needed.

If you can’t thaw the frozen pipe on your own or suspect that it has already burst, call a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively deal with frozen pipes and any resulting water damage.

How to Thaw a Frozen Exposed Pipe

When a frozen but not yet burst pipe is located behind the surface of a wall or ceiling, you’ve got a challenge on your hands. The key is to apply heat slowly and methodically to thaw the pipe gradually.

Here are some tips for thawing a frozen exposed pipe:

Turn on the Faucet

Even if only a trickle of water comes out, turning on the faucet supplied by the frozen pipe will help the thawing process. The flowing water will help to melt the ice gradually.

Try a Hair Dryer

Aim the hot air from a hair dryer directly at the frozen section of the pipe. Move the dryer back and forth along the pipe as it thaws. This can be an effective way to thaw a pipe, but it can take some time and patience.

Set Up a Portable Heater

Place a space heater near the frozen pipe, keeping it safe from any flammable materials. The heater’s consistent heat will gradually thaw the pipe.

Use Towels Soaked in Hot Water

To maintain the heat, wrap towels soaked in hot water around the frozen section of the pipe. Replace the towels as they cool.

Apply Electric Heat Tape

Wrap electric heat tape around the pipe and plug it in. The heat from the tape will help thaw the pipe over time.

Be patient and persistent when thawing a frozen exposed pipe. It may take some time, but you can get the pipe flowing again without causing any damage with the right approach.

Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

Now that you know how to deal with frozen pipes, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes located in uninsulated areas, such as the attic, crawl space, or exterior walls, should be insulated to protect them from the cold.
• Seal air leaks: Inspect your home for cracks or openings that could allow cold air to enter and reach your pipes. Seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Let faucets drip: During extreme cold weather, let your faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent freezing.
• Keep the heat on: To prevent your pipes from freezing, maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you’re not home.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses: To prevent the pipe from freezing, detach any outdoor hoses and turn off the water supply.
• Insulate or heat-exposed pipes: For pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing, consider adding additional insulation or using heat tape to keep them warm. Energy Saver says the best pipe insulation can raise water temperature by 3 to 4 degrees.

These preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of dealing with frozen pipes during winter.

Need Help Thawing Frozen Pipes?

Frozen pipes can be a nasty business. Don’t hesitate to call for assistance from a friendly plumber—that’s what we’re here for! To recover from frozen pipes with the least property damage possible, contact TaskPro for plumbing and emergency plumbing services for frozen pipes today.

FAQs

Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?

Frozen pipes will not thaw independently, especially if the temperature remains below freezing. It’s important to take action to thaw the pipes before they burst.

How long can it take for pipes to unfreeze?

The amount of time it takes to thaw frozen pipes can vary depending on the severity of the freeze, the pipes’ location, and the methods used. It may take a few hours to a full day or more to fully thaw a frozen pipe.

When should I worry about pipes freezing?

You should be concerned about the possibility of pipe freezing anytime the outdoor temperature drops below 32°F (0°C). This is especially true for pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas of your home, such as the attic, basement, or crawl space.