What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze?
Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience—they can lead to serious winter water damage if they’re not handled properly. Here’s a basic guide to help you safely address frozen pipes, prevent further damage, and know when to call a professional.
Follow these steps to minimize damage and protect your home when you discover frozen pipes. For further assistance in safely unthawing pipes, call a reputable plumber.
1
Start by shutting off the water main to stop additional water from flowing into your home’s plumbing system. This prevents pressure buildup, which could cause pipes to burst.
2
Turn on the affected faucets to relieve pressure and drain any residual water. Be gentle when turning the knobs, as the faucets themselves may also be frozen.
3
For added safety, turn off your boiler or heating system to avoid damage while addressing the frozen pipes.
4
Use a safe heating method, such as setting up a space heater in the area of the freeze. Ensure the space heater is monitored and never left unattended. You can also open your cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes behind walls or under sinks.
!
Do not use flammable heat sources, like propane heaters or blowtorches, to thaw frozen pipes. These pose a serious fire hazard and could damage your plumbing.
Who to Call if Your Pipes Burst?
If your pipes freeze and burst, here’s what you need to do next:
- Contact a Licensed Plumber
Call a professional plumber or heating expert to repair the pipes and address any issues with your home’s plumbing and heating systems. - Call a Water Damage Restoration Specialist
Once the plumbing is repaired and the water flow has been stopped, contact an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company. Experts like Octagon Cleaning and Restoration can clean up water damage and dry your home properly to prevent mold, structural issues, and other long-term effects.
What Not to Do
- Avoid using high-pressure methods or tools to force water through frozen pipes. This can cause cracks or bursts in the pipes.
- Do not ignore the problem. Waiting too long can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs.
Winter Preparedness Tips & Resources
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