You stumble into the kitchen turn on the faucet and nothing. Not even a trickle. Well here we are welcome to the harsh winter season.
And if your pipes freeze overnight then don’t panic because you are not alone and there is a safe way to handle it before it becomes a plumbing disaster.
Because if you act quickly and very very smartly then you can minimize the whole damage down to zero and save yourself a major headache and a big repair bill.
So let’s go over this guide and see exactly what to do if pipes freeze, how to safely thaw them and what to avoid if you don’t want your plumbing to turn into a water feature.
First Try To Identify Which Pipes Are Frozen
Start by checking your faucets and if only one area has no water flow then that pipe is the culprit.
Focus on pipes running along exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces and attics because these are the usual suspects when temperatures dip.
And if you can access the pipe then go and feel along its surface as a frozen section will usually be frosty, solid and much colder than the rest.
Plus if you are looking for more inspiration then take a look at British Gas’s Guide on How to deal with frozen pipes as this will give you a lot more insight on this kind of trouble so go and give it a try because you won’t regret it.
Then Turn Off The Main Water Supply
Before you do anything shut off your home’s main water supply valve.
Beucasse if the pipe has already cracked then even a small thaw could send water spraying everywhere.
This simple step can stop a minor freeze from turning into a full plumbing emergency that residents dread every winter.
And once the water is off then open your faucets to relieve pressure inside the line as this helps reduce the chances of a burst once the ice starts melting.
How To Thaw Frozen Pipes? The Paradise Plumbing Way
When people ask how to thaw frozen pipes we here is our number one golden rule:
Never ever use an open flame and that means no blowtorches, lighters or propane heaters.
Because you are gonna melt more stuff than the ice and you could ignite surrounding materials.
So instead of doing that work make sure to do this:
- Use a hairdryer or space heater that you already have sitting in the corner for ages to gently warm the frozen section.
- Also try to start near the faucet and gently move toward the coldest area because this lets melted water escape instead of building up more pressure.
- Wrap the towels that are soaked in warm water around the smaller exposed pipes.
- Keep the area warm by opening cabinet doors under sinks or using a safe portable heater nearby.
And if you can’t reach the frozen section or it is way too behind a wall then stop right there sir.
Because that is when you call Paradise Plumbing winter services to handle that thaw safely without damaging your lines.
Plus if you want to avoid this nightmare completely then the Red Cross has a Great Guide ready and waiting for you so go ahead and learn what you can and avoid this mess all in all.
The Danger Signs Of A Burst Pipe And When To Call For Help?
Well then here you are as your pipes thaw try to keep a close eye out for leaks because even small pinhole bursts can cause major water damage if you miss them.
So make sure to look for:
- Water pooling under the sinks, walls or ceilings.
- The strange sounds of dripping when the water is off.
- Damp wet drywalls or weird discoloration.
- A sudden spike in your water bill after a freeze.
So if any of these show up then please don’t wait. Call Paradise Plumbing’s Emergency experts immediately because a frozen pipe can release gallons of water in minutes once it cracks.
Prevention Yep The Real Secret to Avoiding Winter Disasters
Do you really wanna know the best way to avoid all this stress? Well here it is and that is to keep your pipes from freezing in the first place.
And so here are some of the top frozen pipe prevention tips that you should follow before temperatures start to take a downward drop again:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes and try to focus on basements and all those crawl spaces and attics.
- Let Faucets Drip because a tiny trickle keeps water moving and prevents freezing.
- Seal Cold Drafts because this is where you check where the pipes enter walls and seal any gaps.
- Keep Your Thermostat Steady because don’t let indoor temps drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when you are away.
- Drain Outdoor Lines like garden hoses and shut off any exterior faucets.
And if you own a seasonal property? Get a full Paradise Plumbing winter services inspection before heading out of town.
Because we will make sure that your system is winterized properly so that you don’t come back to a flooded kitchen.
Why Frozen Pipes Happen More Often In The Hamptons?
People think frozen pipes only happen in extreme cold but oh no as coastal areas like the Hamptons have a sneaky problem which is warm spells followed by sudden overnight freezes.
That rapid drop is what traps standing water inside pipes especially outdoor bibs and garage lines.
So even if you think the weather is mild then those quick freezes can catch you off guard.
And that is why our plumbing emergency team gets flooded with calls after the first frost every year.
Quick Action Is Equivalent To Less Damage
Yep this one is true if your pipes freeze overnight then the faster you act the better your chances of saving your plumbing.
So turn off the water, warm the pipes safely and call a professional if you are unsure what you are dealing with.
Because a burst pipe can easily cost thousands in repairs so make sure to consider this your reminder to be proactive and not reactive.
A Final Word From Paradise Plumbing
Winter plumbing issues aren’t fun but they are preventable so whether it is your first winter or your fifteenth having a trusted local plumber on speed dial makes all the difference.
And at Paradise Plumbing we make sure to help homeowners stay ahead of frozen pipes, leaks, and bursts before they start.
So come on and don’t wait for your faucets to run dry. Schedule your winter plumbing inspection with Paradise Plumbing today.
