Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

It’s winter time, and for many of us, that means dealing with the cold weather. Unfortunately, one of the most common occurrences during this time of year is frozen pipes. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience in some cases, frozen pipes can actually result in serious damage to your home or business if not dealt with properly - from bursting pipelines to water-damaged walls and ceilings. That's why it's important to understand how you can prevent and thaw frozen pipes before they become an even bigger issue. In this blog post, we're going to look at what causes frozen pipes as well as helpful tips on how you can identify them quickly and deal with them accordingly.

Common Causes of Frozen Pipes

Cold weather and poor insulation are the most common causes of frozen pipes, as cold temperatures can quickly cause the water inside of pipes to freeze after prolonged exposure. Another factor that can contribute to frozen pipes is decreased air pressure in a house due to excessively sealed doors, windows, and other openings. If a home is not adequately heated, then the warm air available is not enough to keep all areas at an appropriate temperature - particularly those near external walls or openings.

Homes in colder climates with older plumbing systems are more likely to experience frozen pipes than those in warmer climates or homes with newer and better-insulated plumbing. Pipes in single-story, unheated garages, attics, and crawl spaces are prone to freeze as well due to their lack of insulation and continual cold temperatures. Piping not regularly exposed to warmth - including outdoor walls, near windows left open, or poorly sealed throughout the winter months - can also be prone to freezing.

Prevention Steps to Take to Avoid Frozen Pipes

To avoid spending time and money dealing with the mess that frozen pipes create, one of the best preventative measures you can take is to insulate exposed plumbing such as those attached to an outer wall or those running through an attic or garage. Another key measure is to keep your home temperature at a consistent level and make sure it doesn't drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you are away. Sealing air leaks around windows or doors in rooms without plumbing will also help maintain the desired temperature. Lastly, it's important not just to turn off the water supply running through pipes so they don't freeze, but also to regularly run taps throughout your home – this will ensure a continuous movement of water which minimizes the chance of freezing.

Signs You Have Frozen Pipes

If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, look out for some telltale signs. Leaking pipes are a sure sign – if you see water dripping out of otherwise closed valves or joints, it's likely that melting ice is causing the leak. Low water pressure could be another symptom – with the diminishing flow coming from faucets and other outlets, there may be blockages in the pipeline caused by ice buildup. Strange noises originating from exposed pipes, such as bubbling or vibrating sounds, are also common indicators of frozen pipes. If any of these warning signs manifest in your home this winter season, contact a licensed plumber right away to find and repair the problem before further damage occurs.

Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. For Your Pipe Repair Needs

When dealing with frozen pipes in your home, it's important to turn to a professional plumber for help. Our team at Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. will be able to assess the freezing issue and determine its cause—whether that's compromised insulation, inadequate heat supply, or something else. By taking proactive steps such as running warm water through the affected pipe and thawing it out carefully, we can ensure that the pipe is returned to proper functioning order as quickly and safely as possible.

For all of your plumbing needs, reach out to Einstein's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. online or call at (718) 215-9664.