Tackling Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Repair

As soon as the temperature drops, we all start inspecting our heaters and insulation. However, we often overlook the possibility of frozen pipes that can wreak havoc if not dealt with on time. Plumbing pipes can easily freeze during winter. As a result, the frozen water may put excessive pressure on the pipes, breaking them and causing extensive damage. If you open your tap but only get a few drops of water, there is a high probability that your pipes may be frozen. This is a major warning sign and should be taken seriously to avoid a potential disaster.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

There are three primary causes of frozen pipes:

• A sudden drop in your area’s temperature can turn the flowing water into ice. As a result, your pipes get filled with blocked ice rather than water, putting extreme pressure on your overall system.
• You may get frozen pipes when a thermostat is set at a low temperature. Low temperatures make it easier for water to turn into ice.
• Poor insulation is another issue that might lead to frozen pipes. There is not enough protection on the pipes to keep the water warm, and therefore it starts freezing with time.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and this couldn't be more true for frozen pipe prevention. It's wise to take control of the situation before it escalates. Start following the tips below as soon as the temperature drops:

• Keep your garage doors closed as much as possible to keep the water lines warm inside.
• You can open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to allow the circulation of warm air around your plumbing system.
• If it gets too cold outside, turn on your taps and let the cold water run through them. This helps prevent chances of freezing.
• Whether day or night, ensure that your thermostat is set at the same temperature. This trick may increase your nighttime water bills but can save you from costly damage.
• If you plan to spend your winter holidays away from home, keep your house’s heating on to prevent the pipes from freezing.

How to Repair a Frozen Pipe?

If you have failed to prevent frozen pipes, make sure that you repair them as soon as possible. Even a small delay might lead to the destruction of your entire plumbing system. The best remedy for frozen pipes is thawing. For thawing, follow the steps below:

• Open your faucets and shut off the supply of water. This step reduces pressure in your frozen pipes and prevents ruptures.
• Now, find the frozen area in the pipes. Check the faucets with slow water flow and locate their pipes. Check the main supply line if no faucet in your building or home seems to match.
• Once you are successful in locating the pipe, find the freezing point that may feel much colder than the rest of the pipe.
• Make sure that you spot a rupture before thawing a pipe. If there is one, turn off the water supply and fix the rupture before thawing the pipe.
• For thawing, there are several methods used to melt the ice. For instance, you can use a hair dryer or a space heater or run hot water on the pipes, allowing the heat to melt the ice.
• Once you are done with thawing, turn on the water supply and look for leaks. If there are none, let the water flow through the pipes and measure the pressure. If the pressure is still low, start thawing again, as some parts of the pipe may still be frozen.
• After thawing, insulate and dry all the pipes to prevent any future freezing. As a plumber, install heat cables or pipe insulation for prevention.

Keep Your Plumbing System Perfect With the Best Plumbing Services in Baltimore

Frozen pipes, leaks, clogs, faulty water heaters, and many other issues can damage your plumbing system, affecting your comfort and potentially destroying your home. A faulty plumbing system is dangerous and, if not fixed, can lead to other major problems that might be catastrophic.

Keep your plumbing system in proper shape with the best plumbing services in town. Plumbing Services Baltimore has been the leading choice for Baltimore locals for years. Our quick and cost-effective plumbing solutions have helped residential and commercial property owners with all types of plumbing needs.

We are run by a knowledgeable and experienced team of plumbers who know their job well. We don’t take your or your property’s safety for granted, and we stand by the quality of our work.

Give us a call today for plumbing maintenance or emergencies. We'll look into your situation right away and connect you to an experienced technician. Give us a chance, and you'll thank us later!