What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze This Winter

Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months. When water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst. A burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home and cost a lot of money to repair.

Pipes burst in the winter for a variety of reasons:

• Water freezes and expands inside the lines, causing them to crack and break.

• The soil around the pipes can freeze and heave, putting pressure on the pipes and causing them to break.

• Snow and ice can accumulate on roofs and gutters, causing water to back into the house and putting pressure on the plumbing system.

• Windy conditions can cause drafting problems that strain the pipes more.

If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to protect your pipes from bursting. Insulate your home’s plumbing system to help prevent freezing. Disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets, and drain and store them indoors. And keep an eye on the weather forecast, so you can take action if a cold snap is expected.

Don’t try to thaw your pipes with a torch or open flame if your pipes freeze. This could cause a fire. Instead, use a hair dryer or heat lamp to thaw the frozen area gradually. Once the ice is melted, turn on the faucet to help relieve any pressure that might have built up in the system. Call a plumber for assistance if you can’t thaw the pipe yourself.

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes freeze, don’t panic. You can take a few steps to thaw them out and get your water flowing again.

• Turn off the water to your home at the main valve. This will prevent any further damage from occurring if the pipes do burst.

• Open up all of the faucets in your home to allow the thawing water somewhere to go.

• Begin thawing the pipes starting with the ones closest to the faucets. You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable heater to thaw the pipes. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this could cause them to burst.

Can Pipes Unthaw By Themselves?

Yes, frozen pipes will eventually unthaw. Thawing usually happens when the weather begins to warm up and the ice inside the pipe melts. However, the ice can thaw and refreeze multiple times before the water can flow freely again. This can cause extensive damage to your pipes and may even lead to a burst pipe. If your pipes have frozen, you must call a plumber as soon as possible so they can thaw them out safely and prevent any further damage.

Taking steps to prevent your pipes from freezing can help you avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with a burst pipe. But if it does happen, be sure to contact a professional plumber for assistance.