Tips for Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

So, how can you safely thaw frozen pipes. Better yet, how can you prevent frozen pipes in the first place? In this brief article brought to you by High Speed Plumbing, we talk through the do’s and don’ts of thawing frozen pipes.

If you’d rather have a trained plumber come and handle the plumbing, then contact High Speed Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment or request urgent assistance today.

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Save Time, Money, and Energy

It’s no secret that prevention is worth more than cure. If you want to avoid disruptions to your schedule, then proactive measures are non-negotiable. Here is some prep work that can save you a ton of hassle later:

• The best defense against frozen pipes is to insulate them. Foam pipe insulation is an easy and affordable way to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. If you’re in an area prone to extremely cold temperatures, then make sure to insulate both hot and cold water lines.
• Cold air can sneak in through tiny gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and pipes. Seal these openings to keep your pipes warm and less likely to freeze. Caulk around window frames and consider using weather stripping on doors to block drafts.
• In extreme cold, leave your faucets slightly open to allow a slow drip. This keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing.
• If you’re heading out of town for the winter or a long weekend, make sure your thermostat is set to at least 55°F.

How to Identify a Frozen Pipe

With so tens of yards of pipes running through your building, how do you know if a pipe is frozen. If so, where is it? Here are a few signs that indicate a pipe is frozen:

• The most obvious sign of a frozen pipe is when you turn on the faucet and no water comes out.
• Look for frost or condensation on the pipe. Check the areas which are most prone to freezing (like exterior walls or pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or attics).
• Touch test. Don’t just look – feel for signs of trouble too. If a section of piping feels much colder than the surrounding areas, it could be frozen.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes

So, your pipes are frozen. Don’t panic! First things first: turn off the water supply to avoid flooding if the pipe bursts during the thawing process. After that, try these methods for safely thawing frozen pipes:

• Use a hair dryer or a heat lamp to apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe. Start from the area closest to the faucet and work your way back. This method is slow but effective and safe.
• If you don’t have a hair dryer handy, you can wrap the frozen pipe with warm towels soaked in hot water. Change the towels every few minutes, and be patient.
• If you have a portable space heater, you can place it near the frozen section of pipe. Be sure to keep it a safe distance away from anything flammable!

Once the pipe has thawed and the water is running again, check for leaks. A pipe that has frozen and thawed can sometimes develop cracks that aren’t immediately obvious. Arrange a pipe repair in Azusa, CA as soon as possible to avoid problems in the future.

Hire a Local Plumber by Calling High Speed Plumbing

If you’d rather leave the plumbing service to a trained and experienced plumber, then contact High Speed Plumbing to schedule a convenient appointment or request urgent assistance. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today, tonight, tomorrow, or anytime you need!