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Pipes need a little extra care during the winter, particularly during an Alaskan winter. When pipes freeze, the ice inside expands and could lead to a burst pipe, which could be a major plumbing disaster for a homeowner. Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing of North Pole, AK, are experts in plumbing and septic pumping, and they're here today to offer the following pipe thawing tips to help avoid plumbing peril this winter:

  • Shut Off The Water Supply: If the pipe has cracked, frozen water will plug up the cracks for now. The real problem will come later when the pipes are thawing, so be sure to shut off the water supply so that you don’t have a flood on your hands.
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  • Thaw Your Pipes: You can wrap heat tape around the frozen pipe, but a well-aimed hair dryer can also do the trick. Simply plug it in and focus the heat along the length of the pipe that is frozen. Condensation will occur, so keep a towel nearby to wipe down the pipes and place a bucket underneath to catch any additional moisture. Keep the cabinet doors open to let the warm air from your house circulate and prevent the pipes from freezing again. Be sure to check other pipes in your home as well — if you’ve found one frozen pipe, there is a good chance that there are others that are frozen or in danger of freezing.
  • Leave Faucets Open: Let the faucet drip while you are thawing out the pipes — preferably the one that is farthest from where the water enters your home. Even a minimal flow of water is enough to release the pressure in the pipe and prevent it from bursting. Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing suggests using a container to catch the dripping water, then use it to water house plants so as not to waste it.

If your pipes are frozen, don’t hesitate to call in the experts at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing for help. Reach them at (907) 488-9855 or visit them on the web to learn more about their plumbing and septic pumping services.

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