Frozen pipes can be a nightmare, causing extensive repairs, flooding, and water damage. We want to help you know how to prevent them, and what to do and not do, should you have to deal with them.
Pipes that are exposed to cold can be insulated using a foam insulator, allowing the pipes to stay warmer in the freezing weather and saving you in energy costs, as it will take less energy to heat your water. You can also place an insulated dome over your outdoor faucets. Finally, by leaving faucets with a slow drip, you will likely prevent frozen pipes from bursting.
If your pipes freeze, do:
- Keep the faucet open – Running water will help melt the ice in the pipe.
- Shut the water main off – Shutting off water will reduce the pressure on your pipes and can prevent pipes from bursting, which also prevents flooding.
- Apply heat to frozen pipes – You can use a hairdryer or towels soaked in hot water to work on thawing the pipes.
- Warm the area – You can use a space heater to warm the area where the frozen pipes are, but be very cautious that it isn’t left unattended and that it is kept away from any water or flammable materials.
- Call a professional – When you call us at Bodenheimer Plumbing Services, Inc., our highly trained and experienced professionals will come quickly and get straight to work to provide you with solutions.
When you have frozen pipes, don’t:
- Use open flame devices such as blow torches, propane heaters, or a coal stove.
- Wait too long to call a professional. The sooner you call, the better we can help minimize the damage caused by frozen pipes.
For any help you need with frozen pipes, call us At Bodenheimer Plumbing Services, Inc.
