Frozen Pipes in Girard, OH
Is your house ready for winter? If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, certain areas of your home may be at risk for damage due to cold weather. A major area of concern is your plumbing.
As necessary as running water is, it can create all sorts of problems when it freezes. Fortunately, you can avoid expensive repairs with a little knowledge and preparation.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
When water becomes solid, it expands. When that happens inside plumbing, immense pressure builds up. Eventually, you may end up with burst pipes when the metal or PVC gives. When this happens, cleanup and replacement can run up a huge bill.
What Pipes Are at Risk?
Some types of plumbing are at higher risk of freezing than others. Most are in unheated areas and include the following:
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Garage
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Basement
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Outdoor hoses
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Sprinkler lines
However, you can’t assume that pipes are safe from freezing simply because they’re in a heated area. Uninsulated plumbing is still at risk because heat can easily escape and therefore doesn’t do anything to prevent the water temperature from plummeting.
How Can You Tell If Your Pipes Are Frozen?
If you’re taken unawares by a sudden drop in temperature, you may not be able to prepare your plumbing in time. In this situation, how can you tell if your pipes are frozen? Since most plumbing is within your home’s walls, you can’t check directly. Instead, you need to look for these telltale signs:
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Low water pressure
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New or unusual sounds
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Bad odor
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Recurring plumbing issues
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Damp drywall
How Can You Defrost Your Pipes?
If your pipes are frozen, you need to start the thawing process as quickly as possible to relieve pressure. First, turn on the faucet so any semi-frozen water can leave plumbing as it melts. Second, heat pipes with one of the following:
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Heating pad
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Warm towel
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Hairdryer
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Space heater
How Can You Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Before cold weather sets in, you can prepare your pipes to prevent freezing. The best way is to insulate pipes and water storage units. You should also seal door openings of your basement and attic.
During the winter months, you can take further precautions by opening under-sink cabinet doors. This allows warm air to circulate around the plumbing there. If you’re worried your pipes are in the process of freezing, you can keep a faucet running slightly, as moving water doesn’t freeze as easily.
How Can Adam & Eve Plumbing Help?
Are you struggling with frozen pipes? The experienced professionals at Adam & Eve Plumbing can help. Our dependable team can repair or replace burst plumbing 24/7. For more information, give us a call at 330-539-9301 or contact us online.