What to do if Your Pipes Freeze
As we wrote last week, it’s important to always be on the defensive when it comes to your pipes in the winter.
While our tips and tricks can help prevent frozen pipes, sometimes things happen. Not to worry. Frozen pipes are not a sign of failure, and while it can seem daunting, it’s a problem that isn’t the end of your world. Here is some helpful information to use in case your pipes have frozen over.
1. Quickly turn off your water
To prevent your situation from becoming a true dilemma, it’s imperative to immediately locate your main valve and shut off your water. After this, open your facets connected to the pipe just a little, as this will reduce pressure and minimize flooding if the pipes should burst.
2. Locate the frozen pipe
Once you have stopped the flow of water, if you haven’t already, find precisely which pipe has been frozen and which spot has been most affected. Keep in mind, that pipes prone to freezing don’t always freeze in the same spot, which brings us to our next point.
3. Try your best to thaw the frozen spot
Using either a hair dryer on high, a space heater, or even heating cables if you own them- warm up the most densely frozen spot of the pipe to thaw ice blockage. Remember not to use an open flame and keep whatever device you’re using as far away from the walls and any flammable materials, so you don’t have another problem on your hands!
4. Check for leaks
Despite attentively addressing your frozen pipes, there is still a chance of leaks from bursting. Even with a stopped valve and reduced pressure, thawing can cause an upswing in pressure that can reveal a leak.
5. After everything has been done, call a professional.
While these tips can help you from facing an even larger battle, when it comes to the outright stopping and repairs of damaged pipes, it’s important to call a plumber.
McCoy’s technicians can assist you in all your plumbing needs, especially with frozen pipes and preventive measures.
Do not do it ALL by yourself! Call McCoy’s Heating and Air today!