Although Texas winters are usually on the milder side, we still struggle with frozen plumbing. When there’s a freeze on the horizon, what do you need to do to make sure that your pipes are not affected? And what should you do if your pipes are already frozen?
Jim’s Plumbing Now has the solutions and services you need to protect your home this winter. With our prevention and preparation tips, you’ll be able to skip the hassle and stress of frozen plumbing!
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
When freezing temperatures come around, your plumbing lines are at risk of freezing. Why is this an issue, though? What’s the worst that can happen if your pipes freeze?
When water freezes, it expands in volume, and this is a big problem when the water is contained, like in your plumbing. This water expansion builds pressure in the pipe and it can cause the pipe to burst.
One frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home, especially if it goes undetected. The impacted plumbing can create water leaks underground or within your home. Water damage, flooding, foundation damage and wall cracks can all be symptoms of a burst pipe.
How To Prevent Frozen Pipes
It’s important to protect your pipes just like you protect the rest of your home. Sudden temperature changes, low thermostat settings and poor insulation are the most common causes of frozen pipes. To prevent troubles with freezing, you can:
- Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes are most at risk of freezing. In your home’s attic, pipe insulation goes a long way, even in climates that rarely see freezing temperatures.
- Use heat cables or tape. Heat tape is just a heated cable within tape, which definitely helps keep your pipes thawed and free of frost.
- Disconnect hoses. Before the cold comes, disconnect water hoses and use an indoor valve to turn off and drain the water pipes leading outside.
- Set your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat settings the same from day to night can keep frost off of your pipes, especially if it’s set around 70°F.
- Run your faucet overnight. If you’re dealing with sudden freezing temps, let a trickle of warm water run overnight to help keep the pipes tempered.
- Shut off the water if you’re away. While you enjoy your vacation, give your pipes a rest! Shut off the water and drain the system before you leave to prevent freezing.
What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen
Unfortunately, frozen pipes happen. If you’re dealing with chilly pipes, there are a few points to remember:
- Frozen pipes don’t always burst.
- Call your trusted local plumbers for help. When your faucet doesn’t produce water after being turned on, it’s time to call a plumber and leave the tap on.
- Shut off the water if your pipes have already burst. If you know your pipe has burst, use your main shutoff valve to turn off the water. Just leave the water faucets turned on.
- Use a hair dryer, not flames, to help thaw your pipes. If there is no standing water, you can use a hair dryer to thaw the pipe. Start as near to the faucet as possible and work your way toward the coldest part of the piping. Never use fire to thaw a pipe.
Taking precautions to prevent freezing temperatures from harming your plumbing can save you money, time and stress. And remember, your trusted plumber can give you personalized tips on protecting your pipes!
Superior Dallas Plumbing Services
Jim’s Plumbing Now provides professional pipe repair and replacement services to our Dallas clients. If your home is suffering from a leaking pipe, an unusual clog or a broken garbage disposal, we can help!
Contact us today and find out how we can help your home.
