Winter can bring a lot of inconveniences your way, and while you can’t prevent horrible road conditions or poor visibility, there are some things you do have the power to control. Fortunately, frozen pipes fall into the second category. With a few preventive measures, they’re easily avoided.
Quick fixes to prevent frozen pipes
Some of the most effective tactics for avoiding frozen pipes are quite simple and can be implemented in a matter of minutes. For starters, if you’re worried about your pipes freezing in the immediate future, it’s a good idea to let a little bit of water continually run through your faucets, as the constant flow will make freezing less likely. Next, open the cupboards underneath your sink to give the warm air from the rest of your house a chance to reach the pipes. Similarly, if you have pipes in the attic or crawlspace of your home, opening their doors will allow air to circulate and raise the temperature in the vicinity of the pipes.
How to insulate your pipes
The most efficient preventive measure against frozen pipes is insulation. This should be done before the cold weather hits. You’ll need to purchase material to wrap your pipes with (choices range from fiberglass or tubular sleeve insulations to tapes, such as duct tape, heating blanket tape or foil insulation tape). Once you have all the necessary materials, you can begin. First, give your pipes a wipe-down with warm, soapy water. Then you can proceed to wrapping the pipes, ensuring that no part is left exposed.
Tips for thawing frozen pipes
Sometimes, even your best efforts might not be enough, and you’ll find yourself faced with frozen pipes. Calling a residential plumber is always an option, as they’ll know exactly how to rectify the situation, but if you know where the pipe is frozen, you can make an attempt to thaw it out yourself. The best strategy in this situation is to apply heat to the frozen portion of the pipe. This can be done by using a hair dryer or space heater (neither of which should be left unattended), or by wrapping the pipes with towels soaked in warm water. Throughout the process, try turning on the tap periodically to see if water flow has resumed. If it has, you’ve been successful; but if it hasn’t, it may be time to call for professional assistance from a residential plumber.
Hire a plumber in Hamilton
If you’re struggling with frozen pipes, or any other plumbing problem, Pitton Plumbing is here to help. We service residential and commercial locations, and always have an emergency plumber on hand to deal with any unforeseen plumbing crisis. Contact us to make an appointment today!