It can be a sinking feeling for a homeowner. You look outside and see that it is frigid. Then you go to take a shower or make a cup of coffee and turn on the tap and nothing happens. Nothing. Happens! Oh no, your pipes are frozen. You know that going to work with a funky odor or without your caffeine fix might be the least of your worries.
It is possible that frozen water will expand and your pipes will be under great pressure. Then, that pressure will cause a crack, hole, or a seam on the pipe. When that ice thaws and turns to water, that water will go everywhere except through the damaged pipe, and suddenly you could be facing massive damage to your home.
How to Thaw a Frozen Water Pipe
Turn on the water in your home, one faucet at a time. Some may be frozen, others may not. If no water comes out of a faucet, or just a trickle of water, you have found a frozen pipe. There may be one frozen pipe, but it is likely that if one is frozen, others will be frozen.
Once you have discovered what pipes are frozen, open the faucet of the frozen pipe, both hot and cold water. This will help relieve the pressure the pipe has built up. Look at your water pipes that are under the sink, in the basement, under the foundation, or in the attic. Frozen pipes will usually have frost at the frozen part of the pipe. They may also have a little bulge.
Thawing Visible Water Pipes
You will know when the pipe is thawed out because water will be running through the pipe. One of the more important things to remember is to start thawing from the faucet end of the ice blockage, not behind it. Working behind the ice will put more pressure on the frozen spot which can actually cause the pipe to burst.
One of the easiest solutions to thaw a pipe, especially in an attic or a basement is a hairdryer held on the blockage. Another solution is to use a space heater near the blockage. Make certain you set the space heater up safely. Don’t leave it precariously balanced or too close to any object. If you can, stay with the space heater while it thaws the pipes to ensure safety. Another solution is to wrap an electrical heating tape around the pipe to thaw it. You can plug it the electrical heating tape in during cold spells to avoid future frozen pipes, and unplug it when the weather is warmer.
Thawing Pipes behind Drywall
If the pipes are frozen behind drywall, turn the heat in the house up. Sometimes all that is needed to thaw frozen pipes. An infrared lamp can also send direct heat to a frozen pipe behind a wall, and therefore to the frozen pipe.
What to Do if Your Water Pipes Freeze
Sometimes, people find out their pipes are frozen when they find the frozen water pipe damage in their own homes. The first thing to do in that situation is shut off the main water line. Then, in all likelihood, you will need to call for professional help. We can help clean up and repair damage caused by frozen water pipes at home. We provide structural drying and other services so you can get back to your life as soon as you can.
Frozen Water Pipes Prevention Tips
You can often prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them to keep them warmer. You can also use electrical tape wrap so you can actually send heat to exposed pipes. You can also leave your pipes turned on during really cold spells. Moving water is less likely to freeze and clog pipes.
Why Choose Utah Flood Cleanup?
- We offer 24/7 emergency service
- Free consultations
- Free inspections on water damage incidents that are covered by insurance
- 2-Year Guarantee on our work
- Affordable financing
If you are Dealing with Frozen Water Pipes in Your Utah Home, Call Utah Flood Cleanup Today!
If you have obvious water damage and other signs of damage from the frozen pipes, it may be best to bring in expert restoration services to clean up the problem quickly and ensure there is no mold or water damage left behind. Contact Utah Flood Cleanup today for fast, affordable solutions for water damage caused by frozen pipes this winter and more.
Latest posts by Utah Flood Cleanup (see all)
- Water Damage and Mold Growth: Understanding the Connection - November 19, 2024
- 7 Essential Steps in the Repair of Water Damaged Ceiling by Experts - November 14, 2024
- Top 7 Tips for Successful Mold Removal in Utah - October 9, 2024
