You will see that water in the pipes freezes when there is a temperature drop. This becomes a major hassle for all property owners and businesses. It is because these frozen pipes can burst leading to water damage.
So, it is important to understand frozen pipes repair and prevention methods to maintain a proper plumbing system on your property. We have created this guide to cover some major points like how to fix frozen pipes, how to prevent frozen pipes, etc. You can go through them to avoid any major future issues.
Identifying Frozen Pipes
You have to identify the signs of a frozen pipe to avoid any major disasters later.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
Less/no running water: This is the top indicator of frozen pipes as you get no running water from your tap/faucet.
Foul/odd smells: A strange odor from the drains and faucet can indicate an ice blockage.
Cracked pipes: When water freezes, it expands and exerts pressure on the walls of pipes. When the pressure rises above the structural integrity of the pipe, it cracks. So, cracked pipes are a clear sign of frozen pipes in your property’s plumbing system.
Fluctuating water pressure: When the pressure of the water from the pipe changes, it can be a sign of partial blockage due to ice.
Swollen/frosted pipes: If you see a bulge in a pipe or any frost, then it may be frozen and can burst anytime.
Common Problem Areas
There are certain areas that are more prone to the issue such as
Exposed Pipes in unheated space
Exterior walls
Outdoor plumbing
Immediate Actions for Frozen Pipes
Identified the frozen pipes? What to do? Well, you have to act fast to avoid any major damage.
Thawing Techniques
You can use some tricks to defrost the pipes such as:
Apply heat
Turn on faucets
Raise the room temperature
When to Call a Professional
If the DIY methods do not work then it is time to opt for a frozen water pipes service provider. The experts have the necessary equipment to deal with all the situations. They can repair the damaged pipes and reduce the overall water damage to your property or business.
Repairing Frozen Pipes
All frozen pipes can cause severe property damage. So, knowing how to repair frozen pipes will make sure that the plumbing system functions properly.
Professional Repair Services
Plumbers use advanced methods to repair damaged pipes such as:
Replacement of the damaged pipes
Pipe relining
Upgrading the insulation
Preventing Frozen Pipes
You can follow some tricks that can save you from expensive repairs such as:
Insulation of pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with foam or heat tape to maintain warmth.
Keep faucets a little dripping: Running a small stream of water helps prevent freezing.
Seal all gaps/cracks: Cold air infiltration can cause freezing. Sealing cracks around windows and doors helps maintain indoor temperatures.
Maintain consistent heating: Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing in vacant properties.
Long-term Solutions
While temporary fixes can help, long-term solutions provide greater protection against freezing temperatures.
Upgrading Plumbing Systems
Using modern tools and technologies can protect your plumbing system from frozen pipes. Here are some solutions:
Installation of freeze-resistant pipes: You will find PEX pipes more flexible and less prone to bursting than traditional ones.
Addition of smart leak detectors: Using leak detectors keep an eye on the water flow and alert homeowners about potential freezing issues.
Upgrade to a heated plumbing system: Built-in heating elements can keep pipes at safe temperatures during extreme cold.
