It’s that time of year again where the temperatures start to drop and we have to start preparing our homes for winter. You need to be aware of the risk of your pipes freezing. This can happen if the water inside them gets too cold and turns to ice. If this happens, it can cause your pipes to burst and lead to expensive repairs.
You might not have thought about what to do if your pipes freeze. Here are some tips on how to thaw them out and prevent them from freezing in the first place.
How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
If you live in an area where the winters are cold, you know that frozen pipes are a possibility. Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes, which can cause serious damage to your home. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing.
First, make sure that any exposed pipes are well insulated. This will help to keep the heat in and the cold out. You can use pipe insulation or wrap them in towels or rags.
If you know that the temperatures are going to dip below freezing, let a trickle of water run from your faucets. This will help to keep the water moving and prevent it from freezing in the pipes.
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even when you’re away from home. This will help to keep the heat on and prevent your pipes from freezing.
If you think your pipes may have frozen, turn on all of your faucets and pour hot water over them. This will help thaw any frozen pipes and get the water flowing again.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Turn Off the Water
If your pipes have frozen, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. This will help prevent any further damage to your pipes and also give you a chance to thaw them out without water running through them. Once the water is turned off, open up all of the faucets in your home to release any pressure that has built up in the pipes.
If you have a major freeze, you may need to shut off the water at the main valve to your home. This is usually located in the basement or outside near the meter. Once the water is shut off, you can start thawing out your pipes.
The best way to thaw out frozen pipes is to use a hair dryer. Start by pointing the hair dryer at the pipe and moving it back and forth. You can also use a heat lamp or an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw out frozen pipes as this can cause them to burst.
Once your pipes are thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for any leaks or cracks. If everything looks good, then you’re ready to go!
Open the Faucet
If your pipes have frozen, the first thing you should do is open the faucet. This will help relieve pressure on the pipes and may help thaw them out. You should also leave the faucet open until the pipes are thawed to prevent refreezing.
Use a Hairdryer
If your pipes freeze, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to thaw them out and get your water flowing again. One option is to use a hairdryer. Simply point the hairdryer at the frozen pipe and turn it on to high heat. Move the hairdryer back and forth along the pipe until you feel the ice melting. Once the ice is melted, you should have water flowing through the pipe again.
Use a Pipe Thawer
If your pipes freeze during the winter, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to thaw them out and get your water flowing again. First, try using a pipe thawer. You can find these at most hardware stores. Pipe thawers use electricity to generate heat, which will thaw the ice in your pipes. Just be careful not to overheat the pipes, as this can cause them to burst. If you’re not comfortable using a pipe thawer, you can also try thawing the pipes with hot water. Simply fill up some pots with boiling water and pour it over the frozen section of pipe. You may need to do this a few times before the ice melts. Once the ice is melted, you should have water flowing through your pipes again!
Conclusion
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having frozen pipes, there are a few things you can do to try and thaw them out. First, turn on the faucet nearest the frozen pipe and let the water run. This will help to melt any ice that might be blocking the pipe. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a hairdryer or space heater to thaw out the pipe. Just be sure not to leave either of these unattended — they both pose a fire hazard. If all else fails, you’ll need to call a plumber to come and take care of the problem for you.
It is always advisable to call a professional plumber if you are not sure how to do it the right way to avoid further damage.
