Uninsulated water pipes in unheated areas of the home—such as attics, garages, basements, and crawlspaces—can freeze if it gets cold enough. Frozen pipes not only prevent water flow into your sinks and toilets, but they can also crack and burst, resulting in serious household damage. Learn what pipe thawing practices professionals use to prevent leaks and other problems and what you can do to keep your water pipes warm during the coldest days of the year.

The Pipe Thawing Process

Plumbing experts typically use infrared lamps to thaw frozen pipes. These lamps provide pipe thawing without the risk of damage such as melted components or cracks. Some professionals use heat guns; however, these tools may melt pipes if they are not used correctly. If the frozen pipe has already cracked, the plumbing team will immediately shut off the water supply in your home and either repair or replace the pipe depending on its age and the severity of the damage.

What You Can Do

Once your pipes have thawed, keep them from freezing with insulating materials such as foam sheets, heat tape, and blankets. Local home improvement stores typically offer a range of insulating materials to select from. Other preventative measures include draining all outside hoses and supply lines, such as those to sprinkler systems and pools, and shutting them off to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes. Leave kitchen and bathroom doors and cabinetry open to allow the warm air to circulate near your pipes, and remember to run your faucets to keep the water flowing avoids freeze-related issues.

If you need pipe thawing services this winter, rely on Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing to get the job done right. The local, family-owned company provides North Pole and Fairbanks, AK, residents with a range of dependable services, including drain cleaning, sewer line inspection, and septic pumping in addition to pipe thawing. Call (907) 488-9855 today to make an appointment, and learn more about the company online. Get more maintenance tips on Facebook.