Frozen pipes are a big problem for many people. What in the world makes pipe freeze? Extremely low temperatures are the answer to that question. If you want to protect your property from serious damage during the winter months, you should do whatever you can to steer clear of pipe freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage that can cost a lot to turn around, after all.
Do you have a frozen pipe dilemma on your hands? If the answer to that question is yes, you should take action. Don’t just assume that your pipes will easily and rapidly unfreeze on their own.
Frozen Pipes and Natural Thawing Times
Dealing with frozen pipes can be a hassle. That’s why many people have the urge to try to allow the pipes to unfreeze independently. The reality is, though, that pipe unfreezing sometimes calls for days of patience. The weather is a major factor as well. Note, too, that freezing can intensify prior to thawing taking place. This can gradually encourage pipe bursting and considerably more harm. If you want to keep additional issues at bay, it may be optimal to nip a freezing pipe problem in the bud as soon as possible.
Recognizing Frozen Pipes
It can be helpful to be able to recognize frozen pipes yourself. The quicker you can recognize these kinds of pipes, the quicker you can take care of them. Try to switch on your faucet. If it gives you no water, that may be a warning signal.
Nonexistent plumbing fixture water flow tends to point to frozen pipes. The same thing goes for decreased fixture water flow. If you’re not able to get water flow in a toilet or shower, something is probably wrong.
If you have frozen pipes, you should turn the water supply off for that designated plumbing area. Do this first. After thawing takes place, water may rapidly pour out. It may bring on an enormous leak, too.
How Long for Pipes to Thaw Naturally? Pipe Thawing Techniques and Time
If you don’t do anything at all, your pipes may have to unthaw for days or perhaps even a couple of weeks. Fortunately, there are a couple of unthawing techniques that may be able to speed things up for you. These techniques may require roughly half an hour as well.
As indicated before, weather greatly influences natural pipe unfreezing time periods. Other things that often influence them are pipe location and duration. If a pipe has been frozen for days on end, it only makes sense that it will take longer to reverse the situation.
If you want to unthaw your pipes, you should switch on your faucet. Let it run. If you let it dribble just a bit, it may keep bursting at bay. Severe pressure accumulates in the middle of ice obstructions and faucets. This is the result of freezing. If you switch on a faucet, it can eliminate this problematic accumulation. That’s precisely how it can stop possible bursting.
Putting heat on the specific frozen section can help as well. Get a space heater or a blow dryer for this purpose. Avoid propane torch use as it can lead to fires and harm your pipe. Allow your faucet to continue running as you heat the pipe.
Continue the heating process. You can cease it after you increase water pressure back entirely. Once you get it back, you may even want to let your faucet remain open for several minutes. This may enable the ice to totally exit the line.
Make the time to assess all your home’s faucets. You may realize that you have other pipes that are frozen, too. Remember, if you already have a pipe that has frozen, then odds are high that the others have had the exact same reaction.
Frozen Pipe Prevention Strategies
If you don’t want to have to worry about pipe thawing times or anything similar, you should zero in on freezing prevention strategies.
Are there any water supply lines inside of your garage? If there are, shut your garage doors.
Allow water that’s cold to dribble from your faucet in times of fiercely cold outdoor temperatures. Use the faucet that has pipes that are visible.
Are you planning a trip in times of cold temperatures? Allow the heat to remain on in your living space. Don’t put it on a temperature that’s less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pipe insulation can also go a long way. Insulation can be a budget-friendly option for those who do not want to have to fear bursts and their possible repair expenses. You should look into insulation that consists of foam, polyethylene or fiberglass. If you’re ever in need of a quick prevention strategy, newspaper and duct tape can be immensely helpful.
Close up holes and cracks in your home. This can prevent chilly drafts from negatively affecting your water supply. Look by the frames of your doors. Look by your windows as well. If you spot holes that are right next to your pipes, you should caulk them. This can safeguard air that’s warm. It can stop ice obstructions. It can boost interior insulation, too.
Tweak your thermostat. If you let your thermostat remain at a fixed temperature regardless of the time, then your pipes may become a lot less vulnerable to freezing. If the weather is brutally cold, thermostat monitoring may also help decrease furnace pressure considerably.
Garden hose disconnection is yet another basic and hassle-free strategy that may be able to protect you from the stresses of frozen pipes.
Are you trying to find professional assistance with frozen pipes in the winter months? Reach out to the helpful Emergency Plumbing Squad Staff as soon as you can for more information and to set up an appointment. Our detail-oriented and experienced plumbers specialize in all kinds of issues that affect pipes in the home.