Pipes can freeze when the temperature around them falls below freezing (32°F or 0°C). This can happen in areas where the weather is very cold or if the pipes are located in an unheated area of the home, such as a crawl space or an exterior wall. Pipes can also freeze if they are not properly insulated. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipes to crack or burst. This can lead to costly damages and costly repairs. To prevent pipes from freezing, it is important to keep the temperature in your home above freezing and to properly insulate any pipes that are located in unheated areas.
If you suspect that one of the pipes in your home is frozen, there are a few steps you can take to try to repair it:
- Turn off the water: Shut off the main water valve to your home to stop any more water from flowing through the frozen pipe.
- Thaw the pipe: There are a few different ways to thaw a frozen pipe. You can try using a space heater or a hairdryer to warm the area around the pipe, or you can wrap the pipe in a heating pad or towels that have been soaked in hot water.
- Turn the water back on: Once the pipe has thawed, turn the main water valve back on and check the pipe for any cracks or leaks. If you find a crack or leak, you will need to repair it before turning the water back on.
- Call The Professionals at SOS Sewer & Drain!
If you are unable to thaw the pipe or if the pipe has already burst, you will need to call a plumber to repair the damage. It is important to handle a frozen pipe as soon as possible to prevent it from bursting and causing further damage to your home.