What Should You Do If Your Pipes Freeze?
With the season comes frost and freezing temperatures. As you can imagine, those elements are not always ideal for a homeowner. One of the situations you need to watch for is frozen pipes. If any water stops flowing, it can cause pipes to burst as well. Discover what you should do if your pipes freeze below.
Causes: A few factors to consider that make frozen pipes a possibility are as follows:
- when temperatures dip to 20 below or more, pipes are more likely to freeze
- anywhere without proper insulation or home heating that pipes run through poses a risk (basements, attics, crawl spaces, exterior walls, etc.)
- any leaks or drafts in those areas (attic, walls, crawl spaces) will also expose pipes to the frigid temperatures and may result in them freezing
Prevention: When the temperature takes a turn, you can still help reduce the chances of your pipes freezing by doing the following:
- Seal up those cracks in walls to minimize the drafts (check where lines enter the home, too)
- Add insulation to any unheated or poorly insulated spaces
- If possible, open cabinets under sinks to help the heat circulate around the pipes
- Even if you leave town, keep the thermostat at 55 to maintain enough heat to prevent freezing
- When you know the temperature is dropping, let your faucets drip or trickle to keep it flowing (harder to freeze running water)
Repair: If it’s below freezing and you turn on a faucet to receive no water, chances are you have frozen pipes and should take these steps:
- Turn off the main water supply valve.
- Try to locate the frozen pipe (look for frost as an indicator).
- Relieve the pressure by opening the faucets connected to that pipe.
- Check for cracks, leaks, or bursts.
- Once found, thaw using a hair dryer or space heater (no open flames!).
It’s always a good measure to call a professional in to assess the damage and ensure you get everything fixed before causing more issues. LM Companies, LLC is licensed for water damage and restoration. We are available 24-7 for water, fire, and odor damage in Northeast Ohio, including all major holidays! Contact us today to begin the process of restoring your residential or commercial property.
