Frozen pipes are common during the winter months. They occur when water in your home’s plumbing freezes because of low temperatures or poor drainage. The freezing process causes pipes to expand, which can cause them to burst.
External piles and pipes within exterior walls are typical high-risk places for freezing, as are exposed pipes that pass through unheated or uninsulated spaces such as attics or basements. The good news is that watching for indicators of frozen pipes can help prevent your family from unnecessary suffering and money.
Water has the unusual habit of expanding when it freezes. It exerts high pressure on anything that contains it, even metal or plastic pipes. Expanding water, regardless of container strength, can cause pipes to break.
How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing
Protect your pipes from freezing before the winter weather arrives by following these guidelines:
1. Check for leaks
Check for signs of leakage around the house if you suspect a leak. You may notice dripping faucets, puddles of water or even wet floors. These could indicate a leak. If you find one, call a plumber immediately.
2. Turn off the main valve
Typical high-risk areas for freezing include exterior walls and piles and exposed pipes in attics or basements that are not heated. The good news is that frozen pipes are preventable if you keep an eye out for the warning signs.
3. Insulate pipes
When freezing temperatures are common, you must ensure your pipes remain protected. It usually means wrapping them with insulation tape or foam pipe wrap. Ensure you cover all the pipes outside, especially those that run along the foundation.
4. Use heat tape
Heat tape is a simple way to prevent pipes from freezing. Apply it to the pipes before they freeze. Heat tape works by using electrical resistance to warm the pipes. It will only work if the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
5. Keep your pipes clear
Another way to avoid freezing pipes is to keep them free of debris. Debris can block up pipes and make them difficult to drain. To keep this from happening, try to remove leaves, grass clippings and other items that could get stuck inside your pipes.
6. Change your filters regularly
Frozen pipes can also happen because of dirty air filters. Dirty air filters allow dust particles into your home, which can enter your pipes. Cleaning your air filter helps reduce the chances of having frozen pipes.
7. Call a plumber
If you see any of these symptoms, contact a professional right away. They can help you figure out what caused the issue and fix it quickly.
How to Defrost Frozen Pipes
Due to the major freeze, many homeowners are racing for insulation and space heaters. Still, the plumbing lines are one of the most crucial locations to inspect in the home during the heating process. A frozen pipe is one of your property’s most dangerous and expensive winter hazards.
As water freezes, it expands, placing enormous strain on pipes until they can no longer carry the ice. Turning on a faucet and getting only a trickle of water gives you a better chance of detecting frozen pipes in time to defrost them. The result may be anything from a hairline crack to a crack that spans the length of the pipe if you miss the warning signs.
Temporary Measures to Keep Pipes from Freezing
Reduced flow at taps is the first indicator of ice formation in pipes. Take action if the flow drops to a trickle during a cold spell or if you fear your pipes are vulnerable.
- Increase the heat.
- Install fans to circulate heat into cold rooms.
- Leave vanity or cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach pipes beneath sinks.
- If exposed pipes are found within closets or pantries, keep doors open.
- Remove garden hoses from outside faucets. If a hose is connected, even frost-proof outside faucets can burst.
- Keep the garage door shut.
- If you have reduced water flow, use a hairdryer to heat the most vulnerable pipes (typically in basements and crawl spaces or near external walls). While applying heat, leave the faucet running. The flow will rise when the ice melts.
Long-term freeze prevention usually requires a substantial job, such as insulating a crawl space, replacing regular outside faucets with frost-proof versions, or rerouting pipes away from cold regions within the property. Begin by hiring a professional plumber to evaluate your problem and give advice. Keeping the house warm in the winter is an excellent place to start.
The Team At Reztor Restoration Can Assist You!
While the problem is most prevalent in Queensland, frozen pipes can occur throughout the country. If you are at risk, contact Reztor Restoration for assistance in preventing this threat from impacting your house. We offer 24/7 emergency service and will come to your location promptly. Call Reztor today at 1800 739 867!
Reztor Restoration is a local company that has been serving the area since 2012. In addition to flood damage restoration and mould remediation. Our team of highly trained professionals will provide you with exceptional service at affordable rates. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
