Plumbing Repairs for Frozen Pipes - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

As temperatures drop, your home’s plumbing system faces a significant risk—frozen pipes. When pipes freeze and burst, it can lead to property damage and costly water leaks. But don’t worry, with a little know-how, you can take some easy steps to protect your plumbing system and avoid expensive plumbing repairs.

Avoid Plumbing Repairs: Addressing Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Your Pipes for Added Warmth

Think of pipe insulation as a cozy blanket for your plumbing. It’s an affordable way to keep your pipes warm during cold spells. The insulation helps prevent them from freezing up. Pay extra attention to pipes in areas like your basement, attic, garage, and those running along outside walls. By adding this simple layer of protection, you can save yourself from potential repair bills down the road.

2. Keep Your Home Warm Inside

When the weather outside gets frosty, it’s crucial to maintain a warm interior to safeguard your pipes. Ensure that your garage doors are tightly closed if you have water pipes passing through. Additionally, open up kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow the warmer air inside to circulate around your plumbing. And if you have little ones at home, make sure harmful chemicals are out of their reach for added safety.

3. Allow Faucets to Drip

Here’s a clever trick: let a faucet that’s connected to exposed pipes drip slightly during freezing weather. This constant flow of water can prevent the pipe from freezing up. Also, resist the temptation to lower your thermostat to save on heating costs. Keeping a consistent temperature inside, even when it’s chilly outside, is a good practice.

If you’re thinking long-term, consider insulating your basement, attic, and crawl space. Properly insulated spaces tend to have higher temperatures, which can protect your pipes. Don’t forget to seal any openings around windows and doors to keep out drafts.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a pipe may freeze. Here’s what you should do if that happens:

Turn on the Faucet:

To start, turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. The running water will assist in melting the ice inside when you apply heat.

Apply Heat Carefully:

Use a portable space heater, electric hair dryer, or a heating pad to gently warm the frozen section of the pipe. Another option is to wrap the pipe with towels that were soaked in hot water. However, avoid using a blowtorch, stove, or any open flame, as they can harm your pipes and pose a fire hazard. If you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to get plumbing repair services.

Keep Heating Until Full Water Pressure is Restored:

Check other faucets in your house to see if there are more frozen pipes. If you discover any, keep applying heat until water flow is fully restored.

If you’re unable to locate the frozen area, it’s inaccessible, or you can’t thaw the pipe yourself, it’s time to call a licensed plumber in Myrtle Beach for plumbing repairs.

Prevent Frozen Pipes, Save Money, and Protect Your Home

Don’t wait until it’s too late to safeguard your pipes from freezing. These straightforward tips will help you maintain a healthy plumbing system throughout the winter season, saving you from the headaches and expenses of dealing with frozen pipes. If you ever encounter frozen pipes or require plumbing repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional Myrtle Beach plumber.