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Frozen pipes are a nightmare for all homeowners. Winters can make life difficult and can cause all sorts of complications. One of the most destructive things winter can bring is frozen pipes.
As the temperature drops, there is a high chance that your pipes will get frozen. Frozen pipes prevent efficient distribution of water in the home – but that’s the secondary issue. The main concern is – they are more likely to burst – which might cost you thousands of dollars. Also, if not taken care of – they can leave ankle-deep in water during winter.
Pipes in uninsulated or unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages are more prone to freezing. Frozen pipes are also a hazard to the home.
So, to limit the damage, you need to know the signs of the frozen pipes, why they are frozen, and how to prevent them from freezing. Also, you need to know what you should do if your pipes freeze!
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Warning Signs Of Frozen Pipes
It is important to catch frozen pipes early. It helps you take proper action to ensure your pipes are okay.
1. No Water
If you see no water or trickle of water coming out of your faucet and fixtures, it clearly indicates that your pipes are frozen solid.
2. Smelly Drain
When the pipes are frozen, you will experience a smell coming from your drains. When your pipes freeze, the ice will block any odors from food, grease, or waste that you flush out. This stinks the room where the frozen pipe is connected to.
This is a plumbing problem which you cannot fix on your own. It is advisable to contact licensed plumbers. They know the best course of action to take in this situation.
3. Visible Frost
It is sometimes challenging to spot frosts on the pipes. But by any chance, if you see frosts on your pipes, know they are freezing or have already been frozen. It can help you take the necessary steps to prevent further freezing.
You can also consult a plumbing company to know more about how to care for your pipes.
4. Water Damage
One of the common signs you will see if your pipes are frozen is – water damage. You can notice droplets of water near the pipes. Sometimes, you can find puddles of water everywhere. So, if you can see any sign of flooding or structural damage – the culprit can be your frozen pipes.
Other signs are –
- Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper
- Dirt-like stains – green, black, or orange
- Sagging, collapsing, or texturing of the wall
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What Causes Pipes to Freeze In Winter?
You might think – “it’s simple – when temperature drops below the freezing point, water freezes, so does the pipes?” But mind you – it is more complex than that.
Water freezes when the temperature drops to 32℉. But the pipes do not freeze unless the temperature dips to 20℉. Several factors contribute to frozen pipes –
1. External Temperature
External temperature is the main reason why pipes freeze. If the temperature is not too cold, the pipes won’t freeze. So, if you see a drop in the temperature outside, check yourself or get your pipes checked by seasoned plumbers.
2. Inadequate Insulation
Older homes in California do not have insulated pipes, which leads to freezing. Hence, it is advisable to check if you have proper insulation to protect your pipes.
3. Location of the Pipes
If your pipes are located in the attic, garage, or basement – they are at higher risk of freezing. This is mostly due to chilled wind.
What To Do When Pipes Freeze?
If it is freezing outside and you notice the water is not distributed in your home properly, you likely have a frozen pipe. Hence, it is important to take quick action to unfreeze the pipe and prevent it from bursting.
1. Shut Off Your Water
The first thing you must do is – shut off the main valve that controls the water flow. It is usually located near your water meter close to the street. Then, open any faucet connected to the pipe.
It reduces pressure on the frozen pipes and minimizes flood if the pipes burst. This is important in case you are going away from home for a long time.
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2. Try Finding the Frozen Pipes
Check for the pipes in your attic, crawl space, exterior wall, sink, or basement. You can identify a frozen pipe easily. When you see light or heavy frost on a pipe – it indicates the pipe is frozen. Also, pay attention to the smell coming from the drain or pipes.
Frozen pipes must be taken care of earlier – or as discussed earlier – it can lead to pipe bursts, which might also cause flooding.
3. Check for Leaks
If you see leaks or any sign of a bursting pipe, call emergency plumbers. You can check leaks by turning on the water faucet. If only a trickle flows, it means you have a frozen pipe.
Also, you monitor your water meter to ensure no water is being used for the last 30 minutes. If the meter moves down, there’s likely a leak. Also, check for water damage, such as stains, bulging, etc. If you suspect frozen pipes behind the wall, it is best to contact the plumbers near you.
4. Attempt to Thaw
To thaw frozen pipes:
- Check for the affected region.
- Turn on the faucet to relieve any pressure. It also helps ice to melt.
- Shut off the main water valve. It prevents flooding in case the pipe floods.
Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer or heat lamp. Start from the faucet and move toward the frozen area. For pipes behind the wall, increase the room temperature and consider using an infrared light.
Note: Never use an open flame to defrost your pipes.
Moreover, for an underground pipe, thaw using a submersible pump and flexible tubing. It directs warm water at the blockage. Also, you can contact expert plumbers for professional assistance.
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Expert Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
You can’t control the temperature, but you can safeguard the pipes and prevent them from freezing. Here are some expert prevention tips that will keep your pipes from getting frozen –
1. Insulate the Pipes
Insulating pipes prevents freezing and reduces energy costs. Good insulation helps regulate the temperature of the water inside the pipes. This reduces the risk of freezing and potential burst pipes. If you decide which insulator to use, you can always consult plumbers in California for better decision-making.
To insulate pipes –
- Measure the diameter of the pipes and select the appropriate size of pipe insulation.
- Wrap the insulation around the pipes.
- Ensure a snug fit and secure it with tape or clamps.
Note: Consider using heat tape or heat cables in addition to pipe insulation.
2. Seal Cracks in the Exterior Walls
Sealing cracks in the exterior walls enhances the appearance of your home. Cracks can allow water infiltration. It can cause structural damage, mold growth, and increased energy costs.
To seal these cracks –
- Identify their type – whether they are minor surface cracks or deeper structural issues.
- For minor cracks, use a high-quality elastomeric sealant. Apply directly into the crack using a caulking gun.
- For bigger cracks, use epoxy injections or masonry fillers.
Note: Always clean the area thoroughly before application. This helps in proper adhesion and long-lasting results.
3. Open Cabinets Under Sinks
Open cabinets under sinks to prevent pipes from freezing. If you keep your cabinet door open, the warm air from in your home circulates your pipes, too. Thus, reducing the risk of freezing.
To do so –
- Leave the cabinet doors open during cold spells or when temperatures drop.
- You can place a small heater nearby or use heat tape on exposed pipes for extra protection.
Note: Do not keep heaters too close to pipes. It can cause the pipes to burst.
4. Keep Your Home Heated
A well-heated home ensures a pleasant living environment. But, more than that, it also protects against the risks of frozen pipes.
To maintain adequate heating –
- Ensure your heating system is maintained regularly. Also, clean the vents to ensure they are free from obstructions.
- Consider using programmable thermostats to optimize heating schedules and improve energy efficiency.
- Also, using sealing drafts around windows and doors can help retain warmth and reduce heating costs.
5. Open Faucets
Opening faucets during extreme cold prevents pipe freezing. A slow drip from faucets connected to the pipes allows the water to move within the system. This reduced the pressure build-up that can lead to freezing. This is effective for faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated areas of the home.
To do this –
- Turn on the faucet slightly so that it drips steadily during cold weather conditions.
- This can save you from significant plumbing repairs and water damage due to burst pipes.
But if your pipes burst, call the nearest plumbing Company.
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Takeaway
Even if you are all prepared for the harsh winter weather, a bitter cold snap can freeze your pipes. It can lead to several atrocities, such as – leaky pipes, burst pipes, etc. While you might think these issues can be fixed on your own, they can lead to serious and expensive damage.
However, the tips mentioned above can help you de-freeze your pipes. But be sure to consult a professional plumber. They can assist you in figuring out underlying issues. Also, they offer the best advice to ensure your pipes and drains are in good condition – even in winter.
Need A Qualified Plumber For Frozen Pipe Repair? Contact Preferred Plumbing and Drain Now!
Although you can thaw your pipes yourself, it is better to call a professional plumber in California. When your pipes freeze, you can count on Preferred Plumbing and Drain. Our services are not limited to thawing pipes. We also help you with –
- Hydro jetting
- Rooter services
- Sewers and drains
- Water heater services
- Leak detection and repair
Call us now to book the best plumbing services Sacramento. See how we can help you with your burst or frozen pipes.
