The winter months can be brutal on your plumbing system. Frozen pipes are a nuisance for any homeowner because they can stop water from flowing and can burst and flood your home. Luckily, you can take preventative measures to avoid costly repairs. Here’s what you should know about frozen pipes.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

When the outside temperature drops, start dripping your faucets. While it may seem like wasting water at first, dripping your faucets can prevent frozen plumbing. Doing this keeps the water flowing through your pipes and makes it less likely to freeze. 

Open cabinet doors under your sinks to allow air to circulate through. If kept closed, warm air won’t be able to reach the pipes, which will make them more vulnerable to freezing. 

If your home has exposed pipes in the attic or basement, cover them up to keep them warm. Pipe insulation and heated tape are both excellent options. Look for any holes or corners that could let cold air in and seal them with caulk. Shut off outdoor water pipes and disconnect garden hoses to keep the cold air from getting in. Keep your thermostat at the same temperature all day and leave the heat on if you’re leaving for vacation.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Turn on your faucets to check for frozen plumbing. If the faucet only drips water, you may have a frozen pipe. If that’s the case, examine your water line for any cracks or cold spots. If this happens, you’ll need a plumber to fix the broken pipe.

If you find a frozen pipe, turn on the accompanying faucet so water can start flowing through. No matter how much ice is in there, flowing water can melt it and thaw out the pipe.

There are several heating options for frozen plumbing. You can wrap the pipe with electrical heating pads or heated towels to thaw. Use a space heater to circulate warm air around the pipe. Keep applying the heat until all faucets are working and water pressure has been restored.

If you’re dealing with a frozen pipe and are unable to fix the issue, reach out to Carolina Pipe Cleaning Inc. in Rockwell, NC. For over 20 years, this family-operated full-service plumbing company has provided customers with excellent service. They handle all types of plumbing tasks, including repair, replacement, drain cleaning, and water heater services. Call (704) 279-1151 today for a free estimate or visit them online to take advantage of their 10% discount for new customers.