Temperatures are falling! And there is no doubt that the fear of frozen pipes has crossed the minds of Rochester, New York homeowners!
Frozen pipes aren’t merely an inconvenience—they can cause big damage that no homeowner wants to deal with. Lucky for you, with a bit of preparation and knowledge, you can avoid frozen pipes during wintery weather—or handle them effectively should they occur.
So, let’s talk through how you can prevent and thaw frozen pipes, what to do in an emergency, and how to minimize damage should a pipe burst in your home.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
The convenience of indoor plumbing, a modern staple introduced to homes in the mid-19th century, comes with challenges when the mercury drops. House pipes tend to run around the same temperature as their surrounding areas. During colder weather, pipes that run through areas like cabinets, attics, exterior walls, or basements—which tend to run cooler—may have difficulty staying above freezing temperatures.
Then, as the water freezes, it expands. This ultimately puts pressure on the walls of the pipe, which can cause cracks or complete bursts.
But it’s not only a water mess you’ll have on your hands. Without water flow in your home, essential tasks like cooking, cleaning, and showering get paused, too.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Frozen Pipes
Ideally, you’ll never have to deal with frozen pipes. And if this blog has taught you anything about plumbing disasters, it’s that they can very often be prevented with a few simple steps!
Start by insulating any exposed pipes in your home. Take special care to do this in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Pipe insulation comes in several forms, including insulation tape, foam, and foil-backed, to name a few. It’s also inexpensive and easy to install, even for first-time DIYers.
You should also check for drafts or cold air entering your home near piping, such as through cracks in walls or gaps around windows and doors. Sealing these areas with caulk or weatherstripping can help keep pipes—and homes—warm.
During periods of extreme cold, simple measures can also make a big difference. Allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slowly, as running water is less likely to freeze. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warm air circulate around pipes. If you're leaving home for an extended period during the winter, consider setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even when you’re away, and leaving cabinet doors open in your absence.
Immediate Steps if You Suspect Frozen Pipes
Even with prevention, frozen pipes may sometimes happen. Recognizing the signs of frozen pipes early can help you skip a lot of headaches, though! So, if you think a pipe in your home has frozen, start by shutting off the main water supply to your house.
Next, open all faucets in your home. This relieves pressure in the pipes and allows any water inside to drain as the ice melts, reducing the risk of further damage.
Once the water supply is off and the faucets are open, focus on thawing the frozen section. For instance, if the affected pipe is visible, such as under a sink or along a basement wall, use a hair dryer to apply gentle heat. Begin warming the pipe near the faucet and work your way toward the frozen area.
If you cannot access the frozen section or the pipe remains frozen despite your efforts, you’ll definitely want to call a professional plumber to help you avoid a bigger issue.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
Let’s say, despite your best efforts, you have a burst pipe. Step number one: don’t panic! First, shut off the main water supply to your home. This will stop the flow of new water into your home.
Once the water is off, open all your faucets to drain the remaining water from your pipe system.
From here, use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water and prevent additional damage to floors and walls. Don’t turn your water supply back on until the damaged pipe has been repaired or replaced. A professional plumber can help you to assess the damage as well as make repairs.
Final Thoughts on How to Prevent and Thaw Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are no fun. But with the right knowledge and preparation, they’re manageable for any homeowner.
Should you need help insulating pipes, repairing burst pipes, or even locating your main water shut-off valve, our team is just a call away!
Don’t wait for a disaster—contact us today to keep your home protected all winter long.
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