A Guide to Dealing with Frozen Pipes

While most homeowners focus on insulation and using space heaters, extreme winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. In the worst case, frozen pipes are dangerous as they can burst any time and flood the area. Water tends to expand when it freezes, creating significant pressure on pipes until they can no longer hold the ice.

If you are fortunate enough to find the frozen pipe, you stand a chance at identifying frozen pipes that’s early enough to thaw them. But, if don’t notice or overlook the warning signs, it can result in burst pipes. Don’t worry, if you happen to encounter frozen pipe, 24 hour plumber Pickering is just a call away and help fix the pipes. However, it’s important to know the signs and how to prevent frozen pipe bursts.

What are the Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes?

Before a frozen pipe bursts, there are some warning signs which you need to watch for.

·         No Running Water

If you turn on your faucet or turn on the shower and no water comes out, or it’s dripping, you have a serious problem.

·         Coldwater

If you turn on the hot water and only cold water comes out, it’s obvious that the pipes are frozen. If the pipe isn’t frozen, then the problem is with your water heater.

·         The Pipes are Frosty

It’s a tell-tale sign of frozen pipe. There are pipes running in a different direction, so it might be hard to inspect them all. However, keeping an eye on pipes in visible areas can help prevent burst pipes. If you could notice frost on pipes, please call your plumber right way.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes?

·         First, locate the area of the water pipe that’s frozen. The most common places are pipes running against exterior walls or where the water service enters your home.

·         Keep the tap open so that you’ll identify whether the frozen area begins to melt or not. Besides, running water through the pipe will help melt more ice on the pipe.

·         Apply heat on the frozen area using an electric hair dryer, electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe or even wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Never use kerosene, a blowtorch, or any other open flame devices, as they can make water inside the frozen pipe to boil and the pipe explode.

·         Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored.

A frozen water pipe can cause severe damages to your plumbing Pickering system. It’s important to prevent frozen pipes by taking necessary preventive measures. If you can’t locate the frozen pipe in your system, call a licensed plumber Pickering.