As winter approaches, your home’s heating system becomes your best friend. But some areas, such as attics and basements, remain unheated. And if there are any plumbing lines in these areas without proper insulation, it is possible that your pipes may freeze. If you wake up on a winter morning only to find no water coming out of the faucets, it’s probably because of a frozen pipe. It is important to take immediate action, or your pipes might burst. Read on to learn what to do when your pipes freeze.
What to Do When Pipes Freeze
Here are a few things that should help when your pipes freeze:
Shut Off Your Water Supply
If one or more faucets in your home aren’t giving you any water, you’re dealing with frozen pipes. In this situation, you must first locate the main valve that supplies water to your home and shut it off.
Locate the Frozen Pipe
Once you have shut off the water supply, the next thing you must do is try and find the frozen pipe. Remember, a frozen pipe is usually in a place with no or inadequate heating, so start your search from the attic, basement, or crawl space.
In most cases, frozen pipes have frost on the outside, so you’ll be able to identify them easily.
Inspect the Pipe
After locating the frozen pipe, you should inspect it to see if the pipe has burst or has any signs of cracks. If you locate any of these things, you will need to call for professional help.
Open the Connected Faucets
If the pipes seem fine, open all the faucets that may be connected to the affected pipe. This will allow the pressure on the non-frozen parts to be relieved.
Try to Thaw the Ice
If the frozen pipe is easily accessible, try to thaw the ice. You can use a hair dryer to melt the frost, but never use an open flame, or it can cause a serious accident.
In case the pipe isn’t accessible, or you aren’t able to defrost the pipes, call your plumber immediately.
Get Your Frozen Water Pipes Repaired at Master Plumbers Heating and Cooling
Now you know what to do when pipes freeze. Never wait for long to get your frozen water pipes repaired. Reach out to Master Plumbers Heating and Cooling, and we will ensure your pipes are repaired without sustaining any long-term damage. Call (336) 676-5544 to learn more about our services.
