Frozen Pipes

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Winter weather is upon us  and with that comes the usual cold weather hardships, including the risk of snow, sleet and ice along with flu season and freezing temperatures. Those low temperatures can also cause a specific plumbing issue for homeowners – frozen pipes.

A frozen pipe is a typical, yet sometimes major plumbing issue to face. When the weather is cold and the temperature dips below freezing, the water in your home’s pipes may freeze and enlarge, which can result in anything from a tiny leak to large-scale flooding.

There are several signs that can reveal a frozen pipe. If you notice a water line covered in frost or any lumps within the pipe, that is a pretty sure sign that your water pipe is frozen. While it may seem obvious to know if your water lines are frozen, just realize that not all plumbing pipes are in sight. If you turn on the sink and the water is not running, or not flowing properly, or your toilets won’t refill after a flush, that’s also an indicator that your pipes are likely frozen.

So what can you do when you think your pipes could be frozen? It is crucial to switch off the power to your water supply before you attempt to thaw your pipe in order to keep the pipe from breaking. Try warming the frozen area of the pipe with heated water or packing towels that have been soaked in hot water around your water pipes. If these measures don’t solve the problem, call a professional plumber in to assess the situation. Do not attempt to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or anything else with an open flame, as these are fire hazards.

If the pipe has actually burst, begin soaking up the water with a mop, rags or sponges to clean up as much as you can before it causes damage. If the damage is critical, go ahead and reach out to your insurance agent and call SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific County to help address the situation. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific County will work with you insurance agency to get you back on your feet. 

The American Red Cross recommends taking these actions to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to permit warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

• If you will be leaving during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If these preventative actions don’t work and you find yourself combating frozen pipes this winter, call SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific County —available 24/7/365— to help at 360-533-2209 or schedule an appointment online.