Steps to Take if Your Pipes Freeze

Photo by Harry Grout on Unsplash

Winter is far from over. Are you surviving all the snow? Is it possible you have frozen pipes? While it’s cold, you may be tempted to stay inside and leave any restoration services until after the winter weather leaves. By the time warmer weather hits, though, the damage may be vast. If you have any reason to think you might have frozen pipes, follow these steps.

Locate The Frozen Pipes and Thaw Them

Most likely you’ll find the frozen section of your pipe in an exposed area, ones that lead outside or along a wall. Pipes will be blocked with ice and you’ll need to get the ice out to keep them running. Locate any faucets that are connected to the frozen pipe and open them up. Then use hot water or an electric heating device to thaw the frozen area and allow the ice to melt and run out of the faucets.

Check Your Faucets

Once you’ve found one frozen pipe, you’ll probably find more. Don’t stop your search because you think you’ve found the problem. You’ll know there are more frozen pipes if any of your faucets are no longer running. Once you’ve taken care of all of your frozen pipes, let all of your faucets drip slightly to keep them from re-freezing.

Check For Damage

Frozen pipes can often cause damage. The ice will expand and cause the pipes to expand and sometimes crack. While frozen, the pipes will keep the ice inside and prevent further damage. But once things start to heat up, you may have leaks inside your home. Always check for further damage beyond the ice to prevent water damage or broken pipes.

Call a Restoration Service

All of the above can be done on your own, but when in doubt call a restoration service. A professional can locate any frozen or leaking pipe quickly and can repair the damage. If left too long, you risk the possibility of more damage.

Frozen pipes may seem like a common occurrence during the winter, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken care of quickly and efficiently. If you encounter any frozen pipes or other water damage, call us at Kelley Klean. We are a full-service restoration company with a lot of experience in frozen pipe damage, as well as overall water damage. To learn more about us or to get an estimate, call today at 573-214-0990.