If the temperature is at a low point, you could discover yourself with a case of frozen pipes. It may cause you not to have running water for specific fixtures or the entire house. If you suspect that you’ve got frozen lines contact us now! We’ll not only have your pipes defrosted as quickly as possible. We’ll also look for permanent solutions so that you’re not experiencing the same issues every winter.
Contact us today, and we’ll get your water flowing within minutes!
If you are prepared and knowledgeable, you can prevent a costly and messy situation resulting from frozen pipes.
The Issue of Pipe Freezing
When water freezes, it expands, and the pressure on your pipes is tremendous. No of the sort of piping you have, when water freezes, the expanding pressure can cause your pipes to shatter. The pipes that are exposed to intense cold freeze the most frequently. Such as outside hose bibs, attics, water sprinkler lines, pool supply lines, and water supply pipes in chilly interior spaces. Such as kitchen cabinets, garages, basements, and crawl areas. Cables that connect to walls with trim or no insulation are prone to freezing.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
In the fall, before when the cold weather begins to set in, be sure to follow these tips to avoid costly repairs shortly:
- Remove water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler lines according to the directions of the installer or manufacturer. Only put antifreeze into the pipes if instructed by the manufacturer. Check that you have your sprinkler’s stop and waste turned off.
- Take out, drain and store hoses that get used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. The hose bibs on the outside get opened so that water can drain. Keep the valve on the external open to allow any water remaining within the pipe to increase in size without forcing the line to break.
- Look around your house to find other areas where the water lines in the regions are not heated. Check the crawl space, basement, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Hot and cold plumbing pipes within these spaces have to be protected.
Take Preventative Action During Cold Weather
The coldest temperatures happen in the evening when people are sleeping, so before the start of cold temperatures, be sure to follow these tips to prevent freezing pipes:
- If water supply lines are in the garage, keep the doors closed.
- The kitchen and bathroom cabinets should open doors to allow warm ambient air around the plumbing. Be sure to do this, particularly during the night.
- The cold, icy water should run off the faucet, which gets fed by exposed pipes. A continuous flow of water through the line, even at a slow rate, can help keep lines from freezing.
- Maintain the thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and evening, temporarily halting lower temperatures at night. You could get charged an increase in your heating bills; however, you will avoid expensive repair work if pipes freeze and explode.
- If you plan to go away in cold temperatures, turn off the heater in your home. Please set it to a temperature of at least 55° F, and adhere to the steps listed above to ensure you do not return home to an expensive surprise.
Follow These Steps to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you think you may are experiencing frozen pipes:
- If you try to turn off the faucet and only a tiny amount appears, you may have that your pipe is frozen. The most likely places to find frozen pipes are those against your exterior walls or the point where water services enter your home via the foundation.
- Keep the faucet running. If you treat the frozen pipe, the fixed region melts, and water begins moving through the area. The water flowing through the line can help soften the ice inside the tube.
- Heat the area around the pipe by wrapping it in hot water-soaked cloths, using an electric heater wrapped around the line, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater. Avoid using a blowtorch, kerosene, propane heater, charcoal stove, or any other appliance with an exposed flame.
- Heat the pipe until full pressure returns. If you’re not able to find the freezing region or if the area is not accessible, or if it is impossible to defrost the pipe, then give us a call.
- Check the other taps in your house to see whether you have frozen pipes. If one line is frozen, the others could also freeze.
Future Protection for Your Ottawa Home
- Think about moving pipes that are exposed to increase protection against freezing.
- Pipes may be moved by a professional when the house gets renovated.
- Insulate attics or crawl spaces, as well as basements. Insulation can help maintain temperatures in these spaces.
- Please contact Ottawa Plumbing Service at (613) 317-1682 or mail at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com for further information so we can help you avoid expensive problems.
