It’s a chilly winter morning, you stumble into the kitchen to pour yourself a glass of water, and nothing comes out. You try turning on the faucet harder, but still no luck. It’s freezing outside and your pipes are frozen.

Frozen pipes can be a major inconvenience and even cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. Not only do they disrupt your daily routine, but they can also lead to burst pipes and costly repairs.

In this article, we’ll discuss what causes pipes to freeze, how to prevent it from happening, and steps to take if you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes. Don’t let the cold weather ruin your day – read on to learn what you should do if your pipes are frozen in winter.

What Causes Pipes To Freeze?

There are a few factors that can contribute to frozen pipes during winter. The most common cause is extremely low temperatures. When the temperature drops below freezing, any water inside exposed pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst.

Another factor is poor insulation. If your pipes are not properly insulated or located in unheated areas such as attics or crawl spaces, they are more susceptible to freezing.

Running water helps prevent pipes from freezing. If you have a leaky faucet or a slow drip, it can lead to frozen pipes as the water is not flowing enough to keep it from freezing. Plus, the constant dripping can waste a lot of water and increase your utility bills.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Prevention is always better than dealing with frozen pipes. Here are some tips to help you prevent this issue from happening in the first place:

• Insulate your pipes: This is especially important for pipes in unheated areas. You can use foam insulation, heat tape, or even newspapers to wrap around the pipes and protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Let the faucet drip: As mentioned before, running water helps prevent pipes from freezing. Allowing a slow drip from your faucets can keep the water flowing and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Keep your house warm: Make sure to maintain a consistent temperature in your home during winter. If you’re going away for an extended period, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Farenheit to help prevent frozen pipes.
• Seal any cracks or openings: Cold air can seep through cracks and openings in walls, floors, and windows, making it harder for your heating system to keep your home warm. Seal these areas with caulk or weather stripping to keep cold air out and warm air in.

What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen

If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, you may have frozen pipes. Here’s what you should do:

1. Locate the frozen section: Turn off the main water supply to prevent any flooding. Then, try to find which pipe is frozen by feeling along the length of exposed pipes for areas that are extremely cold or frosty.
2. Thaw the pipe: Once you’ve located the frozen section, use a hairdryer or heating pad to thaw it out. Never use an open flame as it can damage or even burst the pipe.
3. Keep the faucet open: As the pipe thaws, water will start to flow. Keep the faucet open to allow any melting ice to escape and prevent pressure from building up inside the pipe.
4. Check for leaks or cracks: After the pipe is thawed, check for any leaks or cracks that may have formed. If you find any, turn off the main water supply and call a professional plumber for repairs
5. Take preventive measures: Once you have dealt with the frozen pipes, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid this issue in the future. Consider insulating your pipes or keeping a slow drip from your faucets during extremely cold weather.

With these tips in mind, you can hopefully avoid dealing with frozen pipes this winter. But if it does happen, now you know what to do. Stay warm and stay safe! # Additional Tips for Dealing with Winter Plumbing Issues

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When it comes to plumbing services, it’s essential to choose a company that you can trust. At Boldt’s Plumbing & Heating, we have been providing reliable and professional services for over 70 years.

Our team of skilled technicians undergoes extensive training and has the necessary experience to handle any plumbing issue efficiently. We also use the latest tools and technology to provide high-quality workmanship that meets industry standards.

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Contact us today at 715-684-3378 (Baldwin) or 715-386-4445 (Hudson) to schedule an appointment. Trust in Boldt’s Plumbing & Heating for all your plumbing needs.

FAQs

What should I do if I discover a frozen pipe?

If you discover a frozen pipe, immediately open the faucet to relieve pressure and allow water to flow once it thaws. Use a hair dryer or space heater to gently warm the frozen area, but avoid open flames due to the fire risk. Ensure your hot water heater is on to assist in thawing the water supply pipes.

How can I prevent my water supply lines and pipes freeze in winter?

To prevent water supply lines and pipes from freezing, insulate water pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements or attics. Allow a cold water drip from faucets to keep water moving, and keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets open to let warm air circulate around exposed water pipes.

What should be done if multiple water supply lines or water sprinkler supply lines freeze?

If multiple water supply lines or water sprinkler supply lines freeze, consider relocating exposed pipes to warmer areas. Use a hair dryer or space heater to carefully thaw other frozen pipes, taking care to avoid overheating any sections and maintaining a constant flow by keeping faucets open.

Are there special considerations for using a space heater or hair dryer on frozen pipes?

Yes, when using a space heater or hair dryer on frozen pipes, ensure the area is dry to minimize fire risk and avoid direct contact with the pipe surface for prolonged periods. Always monitor the process and never leave these devices unattended to prevent overheating and potential damage.