Don’t Let the Cold Snap Ruin Your Home: Repair and Prevent Frozen Pipes Now!
Cold weather is upon us, and many are bundling up in hats, coats, and gloves. One thing that many people ignore when the weather gets colder is their plumbing system. If pipes freeze or burst, repairs can be costly and inconvenient.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent frozen pipes or alleviate freezing if it does occur. Read on for tips to keep your lines safe during cold weather and professional pipe repair services if you experience frozen pipes.
Frozen Pipes: Know Your Risk
– If pipes in your home get frozen, the damage can be costly and preventative measures are vital.
– But it’s essential to know the risk of frozen pipes, especially for those in northern regions. In northern climates, lines are typically better insulated than those in southern climates.
– That means exposed pipes can freeze during the winter, causing ruptures and water damage.
– Additionally, exterior walls, attics, and crawlspaces are at high risk of freezing. Trust1 Services offers frozen pipe services 24/7 to help prevent this from happening.
– For emergency plumbing services, you don’t need to pay extra fees for evenings, weekends, or holidays.
How to Repair a Frozen or Burst Pipe
There are two main ways to repair a frozen pipe. The first is to use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. This method works well for pipes longer than a couple of inches. The second option is to shut off the water supply and wait for the pipe to thaw on its own. You can use this time to prepare for a plumbing leak, such as mopping, cleaning, and drying the area with towels.
After thawing the pipe, you should check it for damage, such as burst pipes and frozen joints. If any damage is found, repair it as needed. Finally, if the pipe has burst, you should call an emergency plumber right away. They will be able to assess the damage and provide any necessary repairs.
The average hourly rate for plumbers is around $330 per hour. The cost of repairing frozen pipes can range from $100-$300 depending on the size of the pipe and the difficulty of repair.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
To prevent pipes from freezing, it’s essential to take preventative measures before the first deep freeze. Before the first freeze, disconnect water hoses and garden sprinklers, and blow out the water in your yard. This will help stop any water from freezing before winter hits.
If you live in an unheated space, such as a garage or crawl space, wrap heat tape around exposed pipes running through that area. If you are using pipe insulation sleeves, be sure to use them on water supply pipes as well as other exposed pipes. Finally, if you live in a house that has a heating system, consider setting your thermostat to at least 55˚F at all times. By taking these preventative steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and plumbing issues during the winter months.
Long-Term Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes
If you’re battling frozen pipes, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent them from freezing and breaking. First, insulate pipes with materials such as foam sleeves or insulation tape to keep them from freezing. Also, make sure your vents and light fixtures are insulated to prevent heat from escaping into the attic. Finally, seal cracks on the exterior of your home and protect water service lines with insulation tape. If external faucets are frozen, disconnect them to allow warm water to circulate inside the pipes. Finally, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets housing sink pipes to allow warm air to circulate. This should help prevent pipes from freezing and thawing repeatedly.
Short-Term Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes, you can take several actions to minimize risk and possibly keep pipes from freezing.
– Close and drain any exterior faucets with cut-off valves to reduce the chance of water freezing inside pipes and bursting them.
– Disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets to prevent water from freezing and rupturing the faucet. This will also help prevent damage to faucet seals and pipes.
– Keep outdoor plumbing covered during cold weather, such as with an insulated cover or faucet sock, to prevent water from freezing inside pipes.
– Make sure pipes are properly protected during cold weather by covering them with heat tape or a similar material. This will help ensure that the pipes don’t freeze and burst.
– Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of frozen or burst pipes, such as water flooding into your house or yard. If you see this, call out a plumber immediately.
The above actions should help prevent frozen pipes and prepare for winter weather.
Professional Pipe Repair Services
If pipes in your home are frozen, it can cause significant water damage and costly repairs. To prevent this, it’s vital to call in a professional plumbing team as soon as you notice a problem with your pipes. Pipe thawing equipment can be used to safely remove ice from concealed pipes, and pipe repair services can help repair any damage caused by freezing.
Professional plumbing teams are well-versed in plumbing practices and will be able to troubleshoot any problems quickly and efficiently. They can repair broken pipes and thaw frozen water lines without causing further damage or injury to the property.
If a pipe bursts, they will be able to shut off the water flow immediately to stop water damage and ensure the safety of occupants. They will also document all repairs for insurance companies so that claims can be processed smoothly.
Conclusion
The cold weather doesn’t have to ruin your plumbing system or damage your pipes. You can prevent frozen pipes by taking the right measures now to heat your pipes and water adequately. Meanwhile, if you find frozen pipes, thawing them out is the first step. Once thawed, repair them with plumber-approved pipe insulation for long-term prevention of frozen pipes. If you need professional pipe repair services, get in touch with us today!