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