10 Cost Saving Tips for Repairing Frozen Pipes

Posted on February 17, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Winter weather is in full effect and with it comes the dreaded frozen pipes. It’s a common problem for homeowners, especially those living in cold climates. But don’t despair – there are ways to repair frozen pipes without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll provide 10 cost saving tips for repairing frozen pipes from a master plumber that can help you get your home back up and running quickly and affordably. Read on to learn more about how you can save money while fixing your plumbing woes!

Call 317-784-1870 For Frozen Pipe Repair in Indianapolis.

How to Avoid Costly Frozen Pipe Repair and Replacement

1. Check for External Sources of Heat: Look for any external sources of heat that may be causing your pipes to freeze. This could include things like a space heater, or warm air from an attic fan in the same room as your frozen pipes. If you find something, turn it off and check the temperature around your pipes to make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.

2. Open Cabinet Doors: Opening cabinet doors can help keep warm air circulating around the frozen pipe, which will help thaw it more quickly and reduce the risk of future freezing incidents.

3. Turn on Faucets: Turning on faucets in rooms near where the frozen pipe is located will also help draw some warmth into the area, which can help thaw the pipe faster and reduce the damage caused.

4. Use Heat Tape: If you’re dealing with a serious frozen pipe problem, consider using heat tape to help keep the pipes warm and prevent future freezing incidents. This is an affordable and easy solution that should be done by a professional plumber.

5. Shut Off Water Supply: To avoid any further water damage, it’s important to shut off your home’s main water supply as soon as you begin to notice signs of frozen pipes. This will prevent excess water from spilling out of broken or burst pipes when they finally thaw out.

6. Let Hot Water Run Through Pipes: Running hot water through your pipes can help melt away ice and thaw the frozen pipes quickly. Just be sure not to leave the water running for too long, as it can cause additional damage to your plumbing system.

7. Use a Hair Dryer: Another effective way to thaw frozen pipes is using a hair dryer. Just make sure you keep the heat on low and don’t get too close to the pipe, as this could cause burns or other damage.

8. Wrap Pipes with Towels: Wrapping towels around your frozen pipes can help hold in heat that will slowly thaw them out without causing any damage to your plumbing system.

9. Insulate Your Pipes: Make sure all exposed pipes in your home are properly insulated to avoid future freezing problems. This is a great way to save money on repairs in the long run.

10. Call a Licensed Plumber: If all else fails, it’s important to call a professional licensed plumber who can quickly identify and fix the problem. While this may be more expensive than fixing it yourself, it will help ensure that your frozen pipes are repaired properly and won’t cause any further damage down the line.

Seek Professional Plumbing Repair if All DIY Efforts Fail

Following these 10 cost saving tips for repairing frozen pipes from an experienced master plumber should help you get your plumbing system back up and running without breaking the bank. Remember to use caution when dealing with frozen pipes, as improper handling could lead to additional damage or injury. And don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you are unable to fix the issue yourself.

Didn’t catch a vulnerable or exposed pipe in time? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing repair for frozen pipes in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Prevent Frozen Plumbing Pipes This Season

Posted on November 24, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Temperatures are dropping fast, and winter is just around the corner, so it is a good idea to get your plumbing systems under control now, before the peak of the season is upon us, and your options are more limited. Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing mishaps among homeowners, and one of the most common repairs done by plumbers in the spring. You do not want to deal with the aftermath of frozen or burst pipes, and you won’t have to as long as you get prepared.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent frozen plumbing pipes this winter season, and what to do if you suspect you might already have some plumbing issues that need professional attention.

Plumbing Repair Contractor Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

Problems Caused By Frozen Plumbing Pipes

Although your plumbing pipes are likely insulated, as most are here in the United States, they can still be prone to freezing in extreme temperatures. This is bad news because water expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws. Ever notice those huge potholes in the spring after all the snow melts away? This is due to water seeping into pavement and expanding and contracting as it freezes and thaws. This causes pavement damages like cracks and holes, and the same can happen to your plumbing pipes.

If the frozen water within plumbing pipes creates too much pressure build up, it can actually cause the pipe to rupture, which leads to unexpected water leaks and flooding after the ice melts. It also causes water and energy bills to skyrocket. Not as costly or invasive, but equally frustrating, frozen pipes can also lead to faucet problems, slow water, poor water pressure, and similar water quality issues.

How to Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Over

Inspect your walls and ceilings for any cracks. Seal them up.

Inspect your basement and crawl space for any gaps or openings, and seal them up.

Apply weatherstripping and caulk around your basement windows, and also around your crawlspace door.

Have your home insulation inspected and repaired as needed.

Locate all unprotected pipes and insulated them with pipe sleeves. Be sure they are tightly secured together. Seal up any openings or joints with duct tape.

Consider thermostat-controlled, UL-listed heat cable technology for your plumbing pipes. This keeps them warm during the colder seasons.

Install storm windows over any basement windows.

Replace your windows with energy-efficient models.

Have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced annually by a licensed plumbing professional.

Is your place experiencing issues with the plumbing or water heating system? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Fall and winter plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Help! My Pipes are Frozen!

Posted on January 4, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Frozen Pipe Repair 317-784-1870

The winter has just begun, yet it has already proven to be a harsh one. Below freezing temperatures affect all aspects of everyday living and comfort. One of the most affected areas to endure problems from freezing snow and ice are plumbing pipes. Fortunately, this issue can be avoided with proper preventative maintenance and diligence.

If your pipes are already frozen, continue reading to learn what you can do to prevent frozen pipes, as well as, how to get them unfrozen in a short amount of time.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Frozen pipes are a common issue for residential and commercial buildings this time of year. Although most plumbing pipes in Indiana are insulated to withstand cold climates, they can still freeze up in extreme temperature drops. For this reason, it is important to do what you can to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing up.

Here are the best methods for preventing frozen pipes:

❅ Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
❅ Install Faucet Insulators on Outdoor Spigots
❅ Protect and Insulate Outdoor Kitchens
❅ Install Foam Pipe Insulation Around Pipes in Cold Areas
(i.e. crawl spaces, attics, basements, etc.)
❅ Wrap Exposed Plumbing Pipes With Heat Tape
❅ Increase or Upgrade Insulation Around Pipes in Exterior Walls
❅ Maintain Indoor Temperatures Above 50 Degrees Fahrenheit
❅ Have Exterior Cracks and Gaps Properly Sealed

Pipes Already Frozen?

If plumbing pipes are old, defective, or inadequately insulated, they are vulnerable to freezing due to seasonal freeze and thaw conditions. When this happens, certain signs start to appear. The most common is a burst pipe. When a frozen pipe has contracted and expanded as a result of freeze/thaw conditions, heavy rushing water can flow through weakened pipes and cause a sudden eruption. If this is your current circumstance, there are a few important steps to take right away.

If a Frozen Pipe Bursts:

❶ Shut Off the Water Supply to the Home
❷ Shut Off Electricity in the Surrounding Area
❸ Contact a Professional for 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Repair
❹ Clean Up Water to Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth

Indianapolis Frozen Pipe Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis frozen pipe repair you can afford. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides residential and commercial plumbing services, including 24 hour emergency plumbing repair. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers deliver safe and effective plumbing repair at an affordable price. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Tag Archives: Frozen Pipe Prevention