Pipes can be prone to freezing during the excruciatingly cold midwestern temperatures. Even pipes that do not usually freeze are not immune to the extreme cold. If you find yourself without running water, here are a few things you can try before calling a plumber.
1. Try to thaw the pipe with a space heater or hairdryer
Surrounding the frozen pipe with heat can help melt the ice and create movement in the pipe again. However, be prepared for some cleanup. Once the ice melts, the blockage could leak out of the pipes once thawed. Start with the section closest to the faucet to help prevent this.
2. If your pipe freezes again, cover up openings in windows and doors where cold air sneaks in
If you find the same pipe is freezing, there could be direct exposure to cold air contributing to the freeze. Insulating openings within your home can help keep cold air from reaching your pipes.
3. Crank up the heat
Freezes in exterior walls can be difficult to locate the frozen pipe and apply direct heat. In these situations, it is best to turn up the heat on your thermostat. You can also place space heaters along the wall to help thaw the frozen area. If a pipe begins to leak while thawing, shut off the water at the main valve.
If your pipes freeze, they can burst, so it is best to quickly and efficiently tackle the problem. If you have tried the tactics listed above and nothing works, it is time to call the plumber. Burton plumbers are equipped with advanced thawing machines that can get the problem taken care of in no time. A professional can help protect your home from further damages. Call Burton today.
