With the rise of uncertain colder temperatures, you might experience frozen pipes. A frozen pipe will block any water from coming out of the faucet when you turn it on. An easy way to check if your pipes are frozen is to see if they are covered in frost. If you are not comfortable doing this or do not have experience, it is best to call a plumbing expert.
Have you noticed that your pipes are frozen? To thaw your frozen pipes, give Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating a call at 469-557-2703.
Continue reading for more information on what to do if your pipes freeze.
Drain Water in the Winter
To prevent your pipes from freezing, drain water that is likely to freeze during the winter. This can be in places where you will not be using any water, like a pool. It is also important to detach any hoses that are used outside. These can freeze and affect the outside valves that supply the water. If you are nervous about a potential freeze, open your faucet slightly and get the water moving. Movement of water in your pipes can prevent it from freezing. If you have frozen pipes, call a professional plumber to repair the pipes.
Insulate the Area
To keep pipes from freezing, some areas may need extra installation. The areas in your home that may not be insulated well enough can be the attic or basement. Call a professional plumber to fit your pipes with rubber foam or even fiberglass to decrease the risk of freezing. It will not be costly if the pipes you are worried about are already exposed. However, in the event that the pipes are beneath flooring or behind walls it may cost extra to open them. The insulation will not add heat but rather keep the temperature consistent.
Keep the Heat On
One of the biggest ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to leave the heat on. It may seem costly to keep it on but it will help to prevent the freeing of your pipes. If you are leaving to go on vacation, leave the heat on. When you are away, there is no way of knowing that your pipes are frozen which can lead to a burst. This can be a danger to your home and your belongings. Keeping the heat on is a cheaper alternative to constantly repairing frozen pipes.
Seal up any Holes or Cracks
If you notice any holes or gaps near the pipes seal them up quickly. Cold air can get inside the piping compartments which can make the pipes colder. This is a faster way for your pipes to freeze. To fix these holes, go to your local home improvement store to get some caulk or foaming insulation spray. If you can’t reach the interior wall, you may need to call for plumbing repair to help.
Apply Heat to Exposed Pipes
If you can access the frozen pipes, a hair dryer is going to be your easiest option. Be careful with any electrical product near a source of water. If you do not have a hair dryer, a hot towel will help to thaw the pipe but it will occur much slower. When applying heat to exposed pipes in your home there are risks to think about. Thawing a frozen pipe can start a fire if not following directions or using a hazardous heat source. You will also always run the risk of a burst pipe. If you start thawing the process incorrectly, it will increase the dangers.
Applying Heat to Enclosed Pipes
There are going to be times when you will not be able to access a frozen pipe. The best way to heat up an enclosed pipe is to turn the heat on in your home. Increased temperature in your home should melt the ice in the pipe. If you own an infrared lamp, you might be able to place it close to the section where the pipe is. This can help to defrost the pipe indirectly. If you are not comfortable heating the frozen pipes in your home, call a professional plumber. They will have the tools to cut through the wall to access the pipe.
In the Case of a Burst Pipe
If applying heat to a frozen pipe, there is an increased risk of it bursting. The best tip to prevent a burst is to start thawing closest to your faucet. If your pipe happens to burst, the first thing to do is shut off the main water line. This will halt all water coming and going through the pipes. The shut off valve can be near the water heater or outside your house near the water meter. If you are unsure where the line is, call a professional right away. An expert plumber will know what to do to prevent further damage and will provide emergency plumbing services.
Repairing Frozen Pipes
If you are not capable or comfortable with repairing your frozen pipes, call a professional. A plumber near you has the experience and the tools to get the job done the right way without further damage. Repairing pipes yourself may seem like the cheaper alternative, but if not done properly it can be disastrous. Doing it yourself may end up costing more money than hiring an expert to do it for you.
Plumbers Near Me in Red Oak, TX
If you are living in Red Oak, TX, you still need to regularly maintain and repair your water pipes. Even though the climate is warmer than up north, there still is the potential to have pipes burst due to freezing. This is because most homes in the south have insufficient insulation. Pressure from this can result in bursts. With proper care and maintenance frozen pipes are nothing to worry about. If you have been searching for Red Oak plumbing services, then Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is the service for you. Our team can help with frozen pipes and all kinds of other plumbing issues. We also provide heating and cooling maintenance, replacements and repairs.
For quality service that you just can’t beat, call Dial One Johnson today at 469-557-2703 or contact us online.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.