What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze?

What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze?

Even if you love the cozy vibe of the winter season, there are still hidden risks lurking in your floors and walls, like frozen pipes. Unfortunately, it’s more than just letting your plumbing thaw when the weather warms up. You risk burst pipes, water leaks, floods, and costly frozen pipe repairs in Mendota. The good news is you can stay on top of the problem and avoid disasters with some proactive steps. The team at Triple Service is always here to help with all of your winter plumbing needs. Our Mendota, IL plumbers also have tips and tricks to help deal with frozen pipes safely and effectively when winter tips.

How to Tell If Your Pipes Are Frozen

Before diving into what to do about frozen pipes, let’s go over how to spot the earliest signs. If you turn on any of your faucets and nothing comes out, you probably have frozen pipes. You may also have an issue if the water pressure drops significantly. Keep in mind that just like cold water in a glass or container, the water in your pipes can expand. At some point, that pipe can crack or burst and lead to major leaks.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Turn off your home’s water supply as soon as you suspect a frozen pipe. The main water valve is usually in your basement, garage, or crawl space. It will keep any water from flowing through your pipes and continuing to freeze. Even if your pipe bursts later, stopping the flow of water will avoid excessive flooding. 

Step 2: Locate the Frozen Pipe

After you turn off the water supply, look for the frozen pipe. It’s not as hard as it sounds. It’s likely located in an area of your home that isn’t insulated that well, such as an exterior wall in your basement or attic, or beneath a sink in a cold room. You can also touch the pipes to feel for cold spots. The frozen section will be noticeably colder than the rest of the pipe. Once you locate the pipe, you can slowly and safely thaw the pipe.

Step 3: Thaw the Frozen Pipe Safely

There are a few safe ways to thaw a frozen pipe, but it needs to be done with caution. Here are some options:

1. Hair Dryer: The safest way to thaw a frozen pipe is to slowly apply heat. Grab a hair dryer, start from the faucet end, and work your way backwards toward the frozen section. Keep the heat moving and avoid overheating the pipe. Never use an open flame or a propane torch, as this could cause a fire or make the problem even worse.
2. Monitor a Space Heater: Try placing a monitored space heater near the frozen pipe. Never put it near anything flammable and always monitor it the entire time the heater is on or you could risk an electrical fire. 
3. Warm towels Try wrapping your pipe with warm towels soaked in hot water and remove them after they cool off.

Step 4: Open the Faucet

While you’re working on thawing the pipe, try opening the affected faucet slightly. When the ice melts, the water will eventually start flowing and move along the process. There could be air trapped behind the ice and allow it to escape, which will also help thaw it.

Step 5: Call in the Experts

It’s okay if you can’t figure out where the frozen pipe is or handle it on your own. Some pipes aren’t very accessible or stressful to handle. If you need help, or the pipe has already burst or started leaking, call in the professionals at Triple Service. Our Mendota plumbers have the skills, tools, and expertise to handle frozen pipes and get on top of the damage. 

Regardless of whether you successfully thaw the pipe, it’s a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection. Our tools can help detect even the smallest leaks to help avoid future damage.

Step 6: Prevent Future Frozen Pipes

Once your pipes have completely thawed and are ready to go again, take proactive measures to avoid freezing steps in the future. Here are a few things you can do:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Adding pipe insulation to areas like the basement, attic, or garage can help protect your pipes from freezing in the first place.
• Let Faucets Drip: On the coldest nights, let your faucets drip slightly. Running water is less likely to freeze than still water.
• Keep Cabinet Doors Open: If you have pipes under your kitchen or bathroom sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Seal Drafts: Look for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings that may be letting cold air in. Sealing the gaps around your home helps your home stay warm and your pipes safe. 

Call Triple Service for Your Plumbing Needs in Mendota, IL

Frozen pipes are a headache, but with the right steps, you can avoid a disaster. If you already have a burst pipe or just need help with your frozen pipes, our plumbers in Mendota, IL, are always here to help. From leaky pipes to emergency plumbing help, give us a call! We’ll come out as soon as possible to get your home back on track. Schedule your appointment today!