Frozen pipes are unfortunately common during the winter. When the pipes burst, they may cause extensive damage to your property and personal belongings. It’s important to contact a plumber if this happens, but there are other steps that you can take in the aftermath to reduce the severity of the damage. Here’s what you should know.

How to Handle Frozen Pipes

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Don’t allow an already aggressive flow of water to continue wreaking havoc on your personal space. Before you contact your plumber, turn off the main water shutoff valve. This may be situated adjacent to the water meter or in the basement. Doing so cuts off the home’s water supply and prevents flooding and further damage.

2. Turn on a Few Faucets

Leaving a few faucets open is an excellent way to relieve excess pressure in pipes and prevent additional freezing and possible ruptures elsewhere in the plumbing system. You may notice that the faucets emit a gurgling or rattling noise at first—this is normal.

3. Add Some Extra Warmth

The key to speeding the plumbing repair process is to create a warm environment that encourages the pipes to melt. You can run a space heater in the affected room or concentrate some warm air from a blow dryer onto the pipes. However, assess the area before you attempt to heat the pipes. Are there any live electrical outlets in the vicinity? Wait for your plumber to arrive instead of tackling it yourself. It’s always best to be safe.

When your pipes freeze, you need a reliable plumber that you can trust to handle the job at any hour of the day. That’s why locals throughout La Crosse, WI, trust the team at Bernie Buchner. Offering more than 60 years of experience, these master tradespeople are committed to providing quality plumbing repairs. They offer 24-hour emergency service, and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Visit their website to find out more about their plumbing services; or, call (608) 784-9000 to schedule a free estimate.