When cold Montana winters strike, frozen pipes can be a major concern for homeowners. In the best-case scenario, these freezes will simply prevent water from flowing through the faucet. In the worst-case scenario, the blockage will cause the pipe to expand and burst, resulting in severe damage. Fortunately, if you act fast and call a trusted plumber, you can minimize the amount of damage to your home. Here are a few ways these experienced professionals will help when the cold weather causes a plumbing emergency.

What Plumbers Do When Your Pipes Freeze

1. Locate the Problem

If you turn on a faucet to find no water is coming out, you may be able to follow the pipes to locate the problem. In some cases, you can locate the freeze if you spot condensation forming on exposed pipes, such as those beneath the sink.

However, if the blockage occurs in a concealed pipe, you may need the expertise of a plumber to find the source of the issue. Using their knowledge of plumbing systems, these specialists will detect flow issues and inspect pipe conditions to identify the problem area.

2. Thaw the Freeze

When you can locate the frozen spot on your own, you may be able to start thawing it out. For example, you can wrap a warm rag around the area or safely circulate hot air around the pipe. When this isn’t possible, your plumber can speed up the process by using heat tape or other professional defrosting tools.

3. Repair or Replace the Pipe

If you resolve a freeze early, your pipes may remain intact and not require repairs. However, it’s still a good idea to have a professional inspect the system to look for minor leaks or cracks that could cause bigger problems down the road. Whatever the extent of damage, your plumber can utilize their advanced resources to either securely seal the leak or replace the segment of compromised pipe.

4. Prevent Future Problems

While emergency plumbing professionals can certainly assist you when disaster strikes, they can also help you prevent it. For example, these specialists will insulate exposed pipes to ensure the proper temperatures and keep your winter worries to a minimum.  

If you’re a homeowner in Kalispell, MT, experiencing a frozen pipe, the first thing you should do is locate the nearest shut-off valve and stop the flow of incoming water to the affected area. Next, call the emergency plumbing specialists at Plumb-Rite Plumbing. Serving the Flathead Valley region, these certified professionals provide responsive, reliable, and cost-effective repairs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit this team online to learn about all the services they offer, or call (406) 257-7795 to request assistance from a trusted plumber.