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Extremely cold winter poses a major risk for frozen water lines. Water expands and can apply pressure of more than 2,000 pounds per square inch when it freezes in a pipe. Since there is nowhere for the ice to spread, that is sufficient to burst practically any pipe.
A burst pipe could be a ticking time bomb. Since the frozen water can fully block the pipe, there might not be any leaks at first - that is until the ice starts to thaw. This is the point where you could be in danger of a significant flood at home.
Homeowners frequently attempt to take a few weeks off from a harsh winter to vacation in a warmer region. However, most of them return home to find their property destroyed - from walls, ceilings, to floors.
To help you with the issue of frozen pipes, call professional plumbers near you
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How To Thaw Pipes Inside the Wall?
You have a problem on your hands when you discover that a frozen pipe lies under the surface of a wall or ceiling. These pipes are at high risk of bursting or cracking.
1. Increase the Heat
Increase the home's temperature and bide your time. Open the cabinet door to allow heat to enter the wall if you suspect a plumbing issue within a kitchen or bathroom sink base cabinet or vanity. As the temperature increases, the ice within the pipes will gradually melt.
But it might cause pressure buildup. It might also lead to a potential pipe burst. Hence, it is advisable to get help from a professional plumbing service.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat on high both before and during any cold spell you may be expecting to last a few days. It's preferable to be a little warm (and have a higher heating bill) than to have expensive repairs and frozen pipes behind walls.
2. Crack Open the Wall
Should you have serious concerns about a pipe breaking soon, you should remove a portion of the wall or ceiling to reach the frozen pipe.
To break open the wall - it is important to pinpoint the location of the frozen section.
- You can use a stud finder or tap the wall to identify the cold spots.
- Once you find the spot, turn on the faucet connected to the pipe. It relieves the pressure and makes a way for the melting ice to pass through.
- Then, thaw it just like you would an exposed pipe.
Note: Always seek help from local plumbers to break the wall because one wrong blow to the wall can lead to flooding in your home.
3. Add Space Heaters
A space heater should be positioned toward the frozen area and kept safely away from combustible objects. To avoid damaging pipes, the heat should be dispersed evenly rather than concentrated in one area. Keep a watchful eye on the thawing process.
As the ice melts, don't forget to keep the faucets slightly open to let the water run and release pressure. To properly handle the problem, if you have any doubts about these methods at any time, think about getting professional advice.
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How To Thaw Exposed Pipes?
There are various ways to thaw frozen and exposed pipes found in garages or unfinished basements. Whichever way you choose - start by heating the pipe toward the frozen spot from the faucet side. As the ice melts, this lets the water escape.
1. Use A Hair Dryer
To thaw a pipe, use a hair dryer. Place a baking sheet behind the wall before radiating heat onto the backside of the pipe. This is one of the simplest and safest methods.
Adjust your hair dryer to medium heat and hold it about 6-12 inches away from the pipe - starting from section of the closest to the faucet and working toward the blockage. You can also use a heating pad.
2. Install a Portable Heater
Warming pipes beneath a kitchen or vanity base cabinet are perfect for a compact, strong heater. Point the heater at the pipe's frozen part.
While heating the pipe, be careful to maintain a watch on the heater. It is safer than infrared heaters. This is because it does not cause fire. Safety should always come first when utilizing any kind of heating. If the pipes do not thaw properly - or if you sense anything is off - call emergency plumbers.
Note: Increase the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees if you don't or can't use a heater. A pricey repair would be much more than any increase in your electricity bill. Whatever approach you choose, work quickly but patiently.
3. Use Electric Heat Tape
Heat tape is also known as trace heating. It looks like ribbons and is filled with electrical heating components. Wrap it around the pipe you wish to heat. A thermostat is used to regulate the tape's temperature.
There are two types of heating tapes -
- Self-regulating
- Thermostat-controlled
Heat tapes can also be used to prevent the freezing. You can leave the heat tape on the pipe and simply plug it in. It is safe and easy to use.
What Should You Do After Thawing?
Following a successful thawing of your pipes is important to maintaining the value of your plumbing system. It's important to look for any possible leaks or water damage and take precautions against freezing in the future.
Check the area for any indications of leaks or water damage once the pipe has thawed. Feel along the pipe for any irregularities or wetness, and look for damp spots on the walls, ceilings, or flooring.
Any damage needs to be fixed very early to avoid structural problems and the spread of mold. The best plumbers in San Jose advise doing the following -
- Look for splits or cracks along the whole length of the pipe.
- Keep an ear out for any hissing or dripping noises that could point to a leak.
- Move your hands along the pipe to feel for any damp areas that might be a leak.
How To Prevent Frozen Pipes?
You can take the following steps to ensure that your pipes do not freeze again -
- When it's the coldest, leave the faucet pouring. The water will not freeze since it will be flowing steadily, keeping the pipes just above freezing. Water waste is something no one enjoys, yet it's preferable to dealing with busted pipes.
- Keep the cabinet door open and allow the hot air from the room to enter them. On the coldest evenings, this is enough to keep kitchen pipes from freezing.
- Wrap the pipe in electrical heat tape and plug it in. You can also use foam insulation wrap to insulate the pipes - particularly those that pass through cold areas. However, keep in mind that insulation only slows down the flow of heat. If the surrounding air is sufficiently cold, insulation won't stop a pipe from freezing.
- To keep locations with pipes above freezing, install a permanent heater. For instance, a permanent baseboard heater can be installed in an unheated garage or basement to maintain a temperature above freezing. However, avoid using portable heaters, which should never be used unsupervised.
- Garden hoses (hose bibs or sillcocks) connected to outside faucets should be removed. If the faucet is not frost-proof, winterize the pipes by draining the outside portion of the pipe and faucet and turning off the water to the interior faucet in the home.
- Get your pipes maintained by top plumbers every winter before you leave your home for vacation.
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Takeaway
You must take immediate action if you think you may have a frozen pipe in your house. If the pipe bursts, your home may sustain significant flood damage once it thaws on its own! Thus making a very inexpensive repair much more expensive.
The above-mentioned ways can help you thaw pipes on your own. But if it is too overwhelming for you - contact a plumber. They will help you thaw frozen pipes without causing any damage to your property.
Are Frozen Pipes Causing You Stress? Hire Preferred Plumbing and Drain NOW!
If your pipes are not thawing, even after multiple attempts - don't panic. Preferred Plumbing and Drain - the best and most affordable plumbers in San Jose will help you with the issue.
Our experts specialize in thawing frozen pipes quickly and safely while ensuring your home is safe and sound.
Don't let the winter woes disrupt your life - as we are your 24-hour plumbers in San Jose. Contact us now and let us help you protect your home from the frozen pipes!
