During winter, many Midwestern homeowners have to call emergency plumbing companies to address frozen pipes. This issue can cause severe problems that require extensive repairs. The below information about frozen pipes will help you spot the issue and prevent them in the future.

Frozen Pipe 101

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Many people realize their pipes are frozen when they turn on the faucet, and it doesn’t work. Some homeowners also return to their house to find flooding because their pipes burst and released water or waste into the house. This issue requires an immediate call to an emergency plumbing company and can cost thousands of dollars in water damage if not cleaned up right away.

Why Are Frozen Pipes Significant? 

When the pipes freeze, they can explode, damaging the system and everything around them. Outdoor plumbing may flood the yard with, and burst indoor plumbing can flood a room, the whole house, or the inside of a wall. Without adequate moisture removal and sanitation, these messes foster mold growth, lower the air quality, and cause structural damage.

How to Prevent This Issue

Areas like attics and garages have a higher risk of needing emergency plumbing to address frozen pipes because they are often uninsulated and unheated. Install insulation in these areas or directly insulate the pipes to reduce the temperature change during inclement weather. Also, invest in fans to improve ventilation by drawing in hot air and removing cold air. If you plan to leave for a few days, leave the faucets dripping. This small movement prevents stagnant water and reduces the chance of your pipes freezing.

 

If you’re concerned about pipe insulation or frozen pipes, contact Big River Plumbing servicing Dakota and Washington, MN counties. Their family-oriented team services the Greater St. Paul Metro Area with 24/7 emergency offerings, as well as installations and repairs. Call the emergency plumbing team at (612) 286-5662 or visit the website for information on their water heater, filtration, softener, and new construction services.