At times, the temperatures outside can cause unexpected issues, such as a frozen pipe. When pipes freeze, they expand, which can cause them to burst. This can lead to water damage, which is both expensive and time-consuming to repair. Here are some of the best ways to thaw a frozen pipe and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
1) Thawing a Frozen Pipe:
To start with, you need to identify where the frozen pipe is located. This is vital to solving the issue. Once you know its location, the next step is to touch the pipe until you find the portion that is frozen. After locating the frozen section, rotate the heat source around that area of the pipe. You can utilize a hairdryer or a heat gun to do this. If using a heat gun, make sure that you have it on the lowest setting to avoid heating the pipe too much. It is important to keep the heat source constantly moving to prevent overheating. Once the pipe has thawed, turn on the water supply to check for any leaks.
2) Preventing Frozen Pipes:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here is some advice to help prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate water pipes in rooms that do not have proper insulation.
- Keep the thermostat set up to room temperature, especially during cold weather.
- To ensure that warm air reaches the pipes located beneath sinks and in closets, it is advised to open cabinet doors.
- Allow a slight drip in faucets that have exposed pipes.
3) Call a Professional:
If you are not comfortable with the thought of thawing your frozen pipes, you could always call a professional plumber to help you out. Plumbers are experienced in thawing frozen pipes and can take the pressure of the task off your shoulders.
4) Avoid Pipe Bursting:
If your pipes do burst due to freezing, shut off the main valve immediately. This will prevent any additional water damage to your home. After shutting off the main valve, cut off the supply of electricity to the affected area of the house. If possible, start to work on removing any standing water from the affected area to decrease the risk of further damage.
5) When All Fails, Insulate Your Home:
Insulation is the best solution to avoid frozen pipes altogether. Your home insulation needs to meet the required R-value (insulation measurements) to ensure it keeps your home warm and minimizes the risks of a frozen pipe. You should always speak to a specialist to get your insulation checked and ensure that it’s at the advised R-value.
For more info about frozen pipe repair, contact a local company.
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