Preventing Frozen Pipes

Imagine going to your washroom during a cold winter night and getting disappointed with a slow water flow in your sink or no hot water to wash your hands. It can be incredibly annoying, to say the least.

But have you ever thought about what causes all of these problems? For example, your plumbing system might be a victim of frozen pipes, so it is imperative to sort it out before a pipe bursts with pressure.

Please read through to understand what these frozen pipes are, their cause, and remedies to get rid of them.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

Unfortunately, cold weather brings lots of challenges, and one of them is frozen pipes. When the water in your pipes gets exposed to the outside temperature, it tends to freeze. The frozen water forms a clog in the pipe and expands with time, making it hard for pipes to bear the pressure and eventually burst.

However, not all pipes freeze. Pipes that freeze frequently include those exposed to external, cold temperatures. For instance, swimming pool water supply lines and hose bibs are more prone to cold weather than those located beneath the ground or indoors.

There are water supply pipes in unheated areas such as the basement, attics, and kitchen cabinets. Unfortunately, these pipes can also freeze because of poor insulation.

Pipes that run on the walls outside your house can also become frozen.

Consequences of Frozen Pipes

Unfortunately, frozen pipes are a bigger problem than you can imagine. They prevent hot water from flowing through your kitchen and bathroom taps. In addition, they don’t take long to burst, leading to consequences such as leaks and flooding.

This is why it is important to fix frozen pipes as soon as possible. A small delay can lead to a huge disaster, ruining your home’s or commercial building’s setup.

As soon as a pipe bursts, shut off all water lines to mitigate damage. This quick action will prevent any flooding in your house. Then, after taking this precautionary measure, call a plumber and while they are on their way, start mopping to remove water and prevent the growth of mildew and mold.

Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can be disastrous; hence, you need to take quick measures before things get out of your hands. Here are some ways to protect all your pipes, so they don’t freeze in the first place:

  • Relocate your outdoor pipes before it gets cold.
  • Products such as heat cables, heat tapes, and pipe sleeves can be installed in your pipes to create an insulated environment and prevent water from freezing.
  • Make sure that you insulate all pipes running through your garage or basements.
  • Insulation in attics and the basement can increase the temperatures of these areas, providing a warm environment for the pipes and preventing them from freezing.

You can follow some other simple practices to keep the pipes warm. For instance,

  • If your garage has water pipes, keep the doors closed at all times to maintain a high temperature inside.
  • Keep your bathroom and kitchen cabinets open to help warm air circulate through the pipes.
  • Turn on the taps even if the water supply is slow. Running water at full speed can prevent blockages caused by frozen pipes.
  • If you plan to leave your house, keep the temperature high at your home by leaving the heat on. This way, the pipes won’t freeze in your absence.

Fix Frozen Pipes

Despite being careful, if you are still a victim of frozen pipes, don’t panic. Instead, avoid wasting time and take measures to treat them urgently.

Here are some steps that you must follow:

  • Turn on all the faucets and keep them running. An open faucet reduces pressure caused by ice blockages.
  • Then, start applying heat to the frozen areas. To melt the ice, you can use a heat tap or an external source, such as a dryer.
  • Continue heating until the water pressure has been fully restored.
  • Check all the faucets and perform these steps on all pipes.
  • If the problem persists, call an expert plumber to handle it.

Prevent and Treat Frozen Pipes With the Help of Professional Shreveport Plumbers

Now that you know how dangerous frozen pipes can get, it is wise to take action against them. The best way is to prevent them by taking all the precautionary measures mentioned above.

However, if you still suspect frozen pipes in your home, call the experts from Professional Shreveport Plumbers. We have previously dealt with many frozen pipes and have the experience and knowledge to help you get rid of yours.

Moreover, we don’t charge high rates for thawing your frozen pipes. Even if you have experienced a burst pipe, we make sure that we get it replaced at the most competitive price.

We are one of the best plumbing services in town, and we believe in providing follow-up customer support. Call us today if you want skilled plumbing technicians you can trust to get the job done right every time.