Without prompt repair, frozen pipes can rupture and wreak havoc on your home. Hundreds of gallons of water can spew out per hour, and the resulting damage can be catastrophic – even a single burst pipe can create a mess that take tens of thousands of dollars to clean up.
So, how can you tell if your pipes are starting to freeze? And what should you do if you spot a potential problem? Here, we explain the warning signs to watch for and the steps to take if you need to thaw or repair frozen pipes.
Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
During cold periods, you need to be on the lookout for clues that your pipes may be starting to freeze. If you notice any of the following, you may have a problem:
- Little to no water coming from the faucet
- Toilets that don’t refill after a flush
- Frost build-up on visible pipes and water lines
- Water supply lines that are bulging
- Strange odors from the drains
Tips to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, you need to act quickly. Depending upon the location of the blockage, you may be able to thaw it out and resolve the issue yourself, without involving a local plumbing service.
To thaw a pipe that has frozen, follow these steps:
- Turn off the main water valve
- Open all of your faucets
- Turn up your thermostat
- Wrap the pipe with towels soaked in hot water
You can also use an electric hair dryer, but be extra careful to keep the cord away from dripping water. Do not use a blow torch to heat the pipe, as this can cause additional damage.
As you thaw the pipe, have a mop, bucket and extra towels at the ready. The frozen water may be acting as a plug, and thawing the blockage could result in a gush flooding out.
Contact a Professional Local Plumbing Service
If you think you might have frozen water pipes, but aren’t able to locate or access the source of the blockage – or if your efforts at thawing prove ineffective — contact a professional local plumbing service immediately. Don’t wait for normal business hours to repair frozen pipes, or you may end up facing costly water damage.
For expert routine or emergency plumbing repair in northern Utah, call the professionals at American Plumbing Services. Our team can provide a fast fix for an affordable price, and we guarantee customer satisfaction with all of our work. Plus, we’re always happy to share insider tips to help you avoid future plumbing problems.
American Plumbing Services offers free consultations to homeowners throughout Utah, Salt Lake and the surrounding counties. To schedule an appointment, or to have our professional team come out to repair frozen pipes any time of the day or night, contact our Provo office.
