How Do I Prevent My Pipes from Freezing?
Freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for homeowners, including frozen pipes. Discovering a frozen pipe in your home can be stressful, but knowing the right steps can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs.
In this guide, the plumbing experts at Universe Home Services walk you through what to do if your water pipes are frozen, why it’s a problem, and how to prevent it from happening.
What to Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen
If you suspect you have frozen water pipes, it’s important to act quickly to address the problem. Here’s what to do:
- Shut off the water supply: If you notice a pipe is frozen, shut off your main water valve to prevent any flooding if the pipe bursts.
- Open nearby faucets: Turn on the faucets closest to the frozen pipe to relieve pressure in the pipes and give the water a path to flow as the ice melts.
- Apply heat: Use a hair dryer, heating pad, hot towels, or space heater to warm the frozen section. Start heating the pipe closest to the faucet and work your way down. Avoid open flames, which can damage your pipes and create fire hazards.
- Continue monitoring: Keep an eye on the thawing process and be ready to shut off the water if you notice any leaks.
- Contact an emergency plumber: If you can’t locate or thaw the frozen pipe or notice any cracks, it’s time to call a professional. Our team offers emergency plumbing services to quickly and safely restore your water flow.
Why Frozen Pipes are Problematic
Frozen water pipes pose several risks to your home, making swift action essential for preventing further damage. As water freezes, it expands, placing pressure on your pipes that can cause them to burst. Burst pipes can lead to significant water damage and structural issues.
Frozen pipes can also cut off access to your water supply, disrupting your daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Addressing water damage and repairing broken pipes can be expensive, but acting quickly can help prevent these issues and save you from hefty repair bills and major water damage.
How Do I Prevent Frozen Pipes in My Home?
Preventing frozen pipes is often easier and more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath. Here are a few easy ways you can mitigate the likelihood of a frozen pipe this winter:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Insulating pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages can keep pipes warm even in colder spaces, minimizing the likelihood of a freeze.
- Seal any gaps: Check for gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and foundations, and use caulk or foam insulation to fill these openings to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.
- Maintain consistent temperatures: Keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even when you’re away, and avoid setting the thermostat below 55º F to prevent freezing.
- Let faucets drip: During periods of extreme cold, allow a slow drip from your faucets to keep water moving through your pipes and reduce the chance of freezing.
- Open cabinet doors: Leave cabinet doors open in bathrooms and kitchens to allow warm air to circulate around exposed pipes beneath your sinks.
Request Frozen Pipe Repair with Universe Home Services
If your pipes are already frozen or you’re concerned about protecting them in the future, Universe Home Services can help. During winter, we offer 24-hour emergency services to protect your home through extreme cold periods. With over 70 years of local service experience and same-day availability, you can count on us to get your system back to full functionality fast.
Schedule frozen pipe repairs with Universe Home Services by contacting our team to get started.