How to Deal With Frozen Pipes

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures in the winter, it’s prudent to take some preventive measures to protect your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can cause water pressure to build up and burst the pipes, resulting in water damage, flooding, mold, and untimely pipe or drain replacement. Frozen pipes can also affect your water supply, as you may not be able to get any water from your faucets or fixtures.

Gold Star Plumbing & Drain specializes in services such as drain cleaning in Gilbert, AZ. We work closely with the property owners around the area, and we’re here to share some tips on how to deal with frozen pipes.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Here are some precautionary measures you can take:

• Insulate your pipes: You can use pipe insulation, heat tape, or foam sleeves to wrap your pipes and keep them warm. You should pay special attention to pipes that are exposed to cold air, such as those in attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, or outside walls.

• Seal any gaps or cracks: You can use caulk or spray foam to seal any gaps or cracks that may let cold air in and reach your pipes. You should check around your windows, doors, vents, or outlets for any potential leaks or if any issue looks like it requires drain repair.

• Keep your faucets dripping: You can keep a small trickle of water running from your faucets to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes. You should open both the hot and cold taps to maintain a steady flow of water.

• Keep your cabinets open: You can open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes under the sinks. You should also remove any harmful or hazardous items from the cabinets, especially if you have children or pets.

• Keep your thermostat consistent: Avoid lowering your thermostat too much at night or when you are away, as this can cause your pipes to freeze and warrant sewer repair. You should keep your thermostat at a comfortable and constant temperature.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you notice any signs of frozen pipes, such as no water, low water pressure, frost on the pipes, or strange noises, you should act quickly to thaw them before they burst. Here are some steps you can take to thaw frozen pipes:

• Locate the frozen pipe: Start from the faucet and work your way back to the main water line, looking for any signs of ice or frost on the pipe.

• Shut off the water: Turn off the main water valve to prevent any water from flowing into the frozen pipe. Open the faucet that is connected to the frozen pipe to relieve any pressure and allow the water to drain.

• Apply heat to the pipe: You can use a hair dryer, a heat lamp, a space heater, or a hot water bottle to apply heat to the frozen pipe. Start from the faucet and work your way back to the frozen section, moving the heat source along the pipe. You should avoid using any open flame or blowtorch, as this can damage the pipe or cause a fire.

• Check for leaks: Once the water starts flowing from the faucet, you should check the pipe for any leaks or cracks. If you find any, you should turn off the water and contact a professional plumber for drain repair or sewer replacement.

Call Gold Star Plumbing & Drain for all your pipe-related concerns.