Tips for Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

The winter weather can be brutal on your pipes. If you don’t take preventive measures to protect your pipes from freezing, you could face costly repairs due to burst pipes, water damage to your home, and the inconvenience of being without running water. Here at Texas Rooter, we are committed to helping homeowners and businesses keep their plumbing in top shape. Today, we’ll share tips on how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

This is certainly the most effective way to protect your pipes from freezing. Pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing temperatures because these spaces often lack adequate insulation and are exposed to colder outside air. Even interior pipes located near these unheated areas can be at risk. It’s advisable to insulate exposed pipes using pipe insulation sleeves or wrap them with insulating tape to create a barrier against cold. If you need help, consult with a local plumber.

Seal Air Leaks

If you live in an older home or one that was poorly constructed, chances are good that you’ll eventually encounter gaps and cracks in the exterior walls, windows, and doors. The gaps may not seem like a serious problem until the cold winter winds start howling, and your heating bills skyrocket, or until moisture starts seeping in. The water pipes running inside your house will be vulnerable to the cold air infiltrating through these gaps. To protect your pipes from freezing, it’s advisable to inspect your house for air leaks and ensure they are properly sealed. This will not only protect your plumbing in Irving, TX but also lower your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.

Keep Your Home Warm

Even the pipes running inside your home aren’t safe when the temperatures plummet. Many homeowners make the mistake of setting their thermostat lower when they’re away from home. The few bucks you’ll save won’t make sense when you return to find burst pipes, water damage, and a hefty repair bill. It’s recommended to keep your thermostat at least 55°F (13°C) even when you're away to prevent pipes from freezing.

Allow Warm Air Circulation in Cabinet Spaces

The water supply lines and the drain pipes running through cabinet spaces are often neglected when it comes to winterizing a home. Cabinet spaces can be particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures due to drafts and less insulation than other parts of the house. You should open cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation around the pipes. If the cabinet is in an unheated area, consider placing a small space heater nearby to provide warmth. Be sure to keep it a safe distance from flammable materials. For extra protection, you can wrap pipes with heat tape, which provides gentle warmth to prevent freezing.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Thawing frozen pipes is a delicate process that requires patience and care. First, identify the frozen pipe and turn off the water supply. Then, apply heat gently on the frozen pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater. You should never use a blowtorch or an open flame, as it can damage the pipe and cause a fire. If you need help with thawing frozen pipes, reach out to a trusted plumber. Here at Texas Rooter, we take pride in providing high-quality pipe repair. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes, burst pipes, or water leaks, we have the experience to repair your pipes and keep them in good working order.

Call the team at Texas Rooter for pipe repair in Arlington, TX and all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs.