What To Do When Your Pipes Freeze

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes are commonly frozen during winter. Most of us don’t think about when a pipe can freeze and can’t imagine the pipe bursting and causing flooding due to frozen pipes. Having a system that can cause this big of a problem, we must know why pipes freeze. Many factors can combine and cause this:

• If the temperature is 20 degrees or lower and your pipes aren’t protected with insulation or heat tape, water will most likely freeze.
• If your house's interior space where the pipes are located is not heated properly, the pipes can burst and cause flooding in these regions.
• If the pipes are located in the outer walls, they are directly vulnerable to cold temperatures. As stated above, if the pipes aren’t covered with heat tapes or other insulation, cold air will easily slip in.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes?

If you have frozen pipes, some signs can verify it. Firstly, you can see a decrease in water flow or lose it completely during extreme cold. Secondly, it is normal to have a foul smell from your sinks. If you can see these signs and want to thaw your frozen pipes, here are the steps you should follow: 

1. Before starting, make sure to shut off the main water line
2. Open the faucet just enough so that there isn’t a pressure accumulation that causes the pipe to burst
3. Use a hair dryer or heater towards the pipes to heat it.

How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing?

If you would like to prevent your pipes from freezing, there are some steps you can follow to prepare your house for cold winters.

• Don’t drop your thermostat below 55 degrees during winter. You may like the cold, but most systems in your house do not.
• Allow the faucet to drip very little so that water flows, but not too much. This allows the circulation of water and prevents freezing overnight.
• Disconnect garden hoses.
• Install pipe insulation on the pipes that are exposed to cold. Call New Era Plumbing & Septic today to get your repiping.

New Era Plumbing & Septic

Are you looking for a local service with a team of qualified plumbers at your service? If so, you are at the right address. At New Era Plumbing, we know that whatever is needed, our staff will get the job done. With our dedicated plumbers, exceptional customer service, and motivation, pipe replacement has never been easier. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for any plumbing service right away.