What to Do When Pipes Freeze in the House?

Winter can be a magical season, but it can also be challenging, especially for homeowners. When the temperatures drop, your pipes may be at risk of freezing, which can cause severe damage to your home’s plumbing system.

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes, don’t panic. With the help of a professional plumbing company in Oakland, you can take the appropriate steps to protect your home and prevent further damage. Here we have outlined what to do when discovering frozen pipes and preventive measures to avert such issues!

Look for the telltale signs of frozen pipes

The first step in dealing with frozen pipes is considering the signs. Here are a few indicators of a frozen pipe:

1. No Water:
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, your pipes have likely frozen.

2. Unusual noises:
You might hear strange noises from your pipes, such as banging or clanging, owing to the pressure buildup from frozen water.

3. Unpleasant odor:
If you notice strange smells emanating from your faucets or drains, it may imply frozen pipes.

4. Frost:
If you notice frost on your pipes, it’s a sign that they’re frozen.

What to do when pipes freeze

If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, take the following steps to prevent further damage to your home’s plumbing system:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

First and foremost, shut off the water supply when dealing with frozen pipes. Doing so will prevent further freezing and minimize property damage if a pipe bursts. Locate your main water shut-off valve inside your home, usually near the water meter or where your water service line enters your home.

Step 2: Open the faucets

Open all the faucets in your home to relieve pressure in the pipes and allow any trapped water to escape. It will help prevent the pipes from bursting.

Step 3: Identify the frozen pipe

Try to locate the pipe’s frozen section by checking portions that feel cold or have frost. It may be easier to find frozen pipes in exposed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or around the exterior of your home.

Step 4: Thaw the frozen pipe

Once you have identified the frozen section, it’s time to thaw the pipe. While there are several methods for thawing, always use caution and eschew open flames.

• Use a hairdryer or heat gun to apply heat slowly and evenly to the frozen section.
• Wrap the pipe with a heating pad or towels soaked in hot water to warm it up gradually.
• Place a portable space heater near the frozen pipe for gentle heating. Ensure the space heater is away from flammable materials.
• Consider contacting reputable plumbers in Sacramento to help unfreeze the pipes professionally in extreme cases.

Step 5: Inspect the damage

Lastly, inspect the pipe for any visible damage or leaks. If you notice any issues, contact a plumbing professional to address the problem immediately.

Preventing frozen pipes

Prevention is the key to avoiding frozen pipes in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep your home warm by maintaining a temperature of at least 55°F, even when you’re away from home. It will help prevent pipes from freezing.
• Insulate your pipes with foam sleeves or other insulation materials. It’ll help keep your pipes warm and prevent them from freezing.
• On frigid days, allow a small amount of water to drip from your faucets to keep the water flowing and prevent pipes from freezing.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses and turn off outdoor faucets to elude water from freezing in the pipes.