Keep Your Pipes from Freezing With These Effective Tips

As the temperature drops, many U.S. residents deal with frozen pipes. But why are they a problem? Experts believe that water expands upon freezing. The expansion puts pressure on plastic or metal pipes, risking a burst.

Once the pipe cracks, it can release gallons of water on your property. Therefore, frozen pipes can be a hassle and must be prevented to keep your home and loved ones safe. This guide shares tried and true tips to prevent frozen pipes or thaw them in the event of an unexpected freeze.

How to Spot Frozen Pipes

Freezing pipes can create unwanted hassles. But how can you know you’re dealing with the problem? Here are a few signs to look out for:

Smelly water. A nasty odor springing from drains and faucet indicates a frozen pipe. When the water inside the pipes freezes, sewage smells do not find a way to escape. As a result, they revert, making their way into your bathroom.
Gurgling sounds. Gurgling and banging sounds from pipes may signify frozen pipes. The ice traveling down the pipes could be the source of the noise.
Dripping water. Only a small trickle comes out when you open the faucets around your property. An insufficient water supply indicates a frozen pipe.
Pipe frost. A visible frost on the pipes may indicate they’re frozen.
Cracks. Your pipes may be freezing if they’re covered in condensation and have small cracks on the surface.
Bulging pipes. Because the water expands upon freezing, it puts pressure on the pipe, causing them to bulge.

Tips to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Poor insulation combined with plummeting temperatures escalate the risk of freezing pipes. However, preparing your home during the summer can prevent hassles in the colder months.

Use Heat Cables or Heat Tape: You can use heat cables or heat tape to wrap the pipes. Purchase products approved by an independent testing organization. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to accurately install the cables or tape.
Insulate Your Pipes: The plumbing running in unheated spaces like the basement, crawl space, and attic is prone to freezing. Naturally, insulation will help keep the unheated areas warm, reducing the risk of pipe bursts. A well-insulated property absorbs heat more effectively, reducing energy bills.
Open Cabinets: Did you know a part of your home’s plumbing system runs inside the bathroom and kitchen cabinets? Because they’re kept closed for the most part, the heat doesn’t distribute equally, and the pipes beneath them are more likely to freeze. Therefore, open your bathroom and kitchen cabinets to distribute heat evenly. As a rule of thumb, consider opening them before you go to bed.
Seal Cracks and Holes: Locate any holes around your home's windows, doors, and internet cables. Although minor, these cracks and holes allow cool air inside the property. Look specifically around dryer vents and electrical wiring and seal any spaces to keep the cold air outdoors. This lets your property stay warmer and keeps the freezing temperatures from affecting the water inside the pipes.
Let Faucets Drip: The simplest solutions are often the most effective, and this one is proof. Often times, a trickle from a cold or hot water faucet is all it takes to prevent pipes from freezing. A trickle overnight helps regulate the pipe’s internal temperature and prevents the water from freezing.
Drain and Secure Outdoor Hoses: Water lines in unheated areas are at a higher risk of freezing. Drain and disconnect garden hoses and shut off the valve serving faucets outdoors. This will keep water from freezing in the hoses and pipes.

Steps to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

If you open a faucet and nothing but a trickle comes out, it indicates a frozen pipe. Here are a few steps to thaw the pipes and protect your property from water damage:

Keep a faucet open. As you melt the ice in frozen pipes, the water will start flowing through them. Eventually, you’ll see water flow restoring.
Use an electric dryer or a heating pad to apply heat to the frozen area of the pipe. You can also wrap the pipe in a towel soaked in warm water. Alternatively, keeping a portable space heater close to the frozen pipe helps thaw the ice.
Avoid using a charcoal stove, blowtorch, or another open flame device as they risk a fire hazard.
Keep applying the heat until the water pressure fully restores.
If you’re uncertain where the pipes are frozen, you can contact a licensed plumber and have us inspect the pipes.

What to Do Before a Vacation

No one wants to arrive from a vacation to a flooded home. So, prepare your property to keep yourself from unpleasant instances. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Turn off the main water line and drain all the pipes.
Flush all the toilets and let the faucets drip.
Disconnect and drain the washing machine hoses.
Ask a trusted neighbor or a friend to check your property when you’re away.
Avoid turning the heating off. Instead, set it to a low temperature before leaving.
Open the bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
Close the garage doors to let warm air circulate inside the home.

Leave Your Pipes to River City Expert Plumbing

Winter comes with a few unpleasant surprises. One among them is frozen pipes. To keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, you must take preventive measures during warmer months, from insulating your home to covering the exposed pipes. If anything unfortunate happens, reach out to River City Expert Plumbing and have us repair the pipes.