What To Do When Pipes Freeze And How To Prevent It

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Imagine getting home after a day’s work during the winter, but instead of enjoying a cozy indoors and a sip of hot chocolate, you’re greeted by the clear signs of frozen pipes. No warm water, no showers, and no kitchen sink flow—just the cold reality that winter’s chill has taken its toll. So now, you’re left with no option but to thaw your pipes before they burst and cause more lasting inconvenience.

But don’t panic just yet. With the right knowledge and some quick action, you can prevent the worst from happening. In this guide, Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air will walk you through what to do if your pipes freeze and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.

What to Do When Pipes Freeze

Time is of the greatest essence when your pipes are freezing. Any delay in thawing them will lead to nothing but a burst pipe. But this doesn’t mean you should scramble aimlessly to look for ways to prevent your pipes from exploding.

There is a safe and efficient step-by-step guide to addressing your frozen pipe dilemma. Here’s what to do:

Turn Off the Water Supply

When you think your pipes might be frozen, the first thing to do is turn off the main water supply. Once that pipe thaws out, the water inside will start flowing again. If the pipe is cracked or busted, you could end up with a huge mess. Shutting off the water right away helps prevent flooding and keeps things under control until you can get the issue sorted out.

Locate the Frozen Pipe

Next, you’ll want to figure out which pipe has frozen. Start by checking areas that are most prone to freezing, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. You might notice frost on the pipe or it could feel unusually cold to the touch. In some cases, you might even hear water running or see water leaking when the ice thaws.

Gradually Thaw the Pipe

Never use an open flame to thaw out a frozen pipe—this could cause the pipe to crack or even catch fire. Instead, use a safer method. A hair dryer works wonders, or you can apply a heat lamp to the frozen area. You could also use heating pads to wrap the pipe, or if you’re feeling a bit crafty, soak some towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe for a quick DIY fix. Whatever method you use, be patient and let the ice thaw slowly.

How To Prevent Freezing Pipes

Now that you’re able to keep your pipes from completely bursting, it’s time to prioritize some preventive measures. Your pipes will always be prone to freezing during colder months so make sure it gets the protection necessary to keep it flowing.

Here’s how you can keep frozen pipes at bay:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes is all about preparation. Exposed pipes are the most vulnerable, so insulating them should be your first line of defense. Bring your attention to unheated areas in your house where frozen pipes are most likely to happen. These areas include your attic, crawl space, and your basement. You can easily protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with foam insulation, heat tape, or pipe sleeves to keep the cold out and the pipes nice and cozy.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

When the temperature drops way below freezing, letting your faucets drip can be a simple yet effective trick. A little trickle of water will help prevent it from sitting still in the pipes, where it could freeze. This also helps to reduce the pressure in the system and minimizes the risk of the pipe bursting.

Seal Gaps Around Pipes

Winter air has a way of sneaking in through cracks and gaps, so it’s important to seal up any spots where cold air could be getting to your pipes. Check areas where pipes enter or exit your home—windows, doors, vents, and electrical outlets are common culprits. You can seal these with caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping to minimize any chance of freezing.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open

Keeping your cabinet doors open can make a big difference, especially at night when the cold can be more intense. By doing this, you’re letting warmer air circulate around the pipes, helping prevent them from freezing.

Add Extra Insulation to Vulnerable Areas

Look for areas of your home that could use extra insulation—think attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Adding insulation in these spots helps keep the temperature steady and prevents pipes from freezing in the first place. It’s a small investment that can save you big on repairs.

Experiencing Plumbing Troubles from Frozen Pipes? Get Urgent Water Line Repair from Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air

Even with the best prevention efforts, frozen pipes can still happen. If you find yourself dealing with burst pipes, leaks, or water damage, don’t wait to get help.

Call in the experts at Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air! Our water line plumber is ready for any plumbing emergency, big or small. With years of experience and the latest tools, we can quickly repair any damage caused by frozen pipes and get your water running smoothly again.

Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter—reach out to Home Heroes Plumbing Heating & Air for fast and fail-proof water line repair!

At Home Heroes Plumbing, Heating & Air, we're parents, homeowners, and neighbors first. We know what it’s like to have a broken AC in the middle of summer or no hot water when you need it most.

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