Frozen Pipes In Your Home?

Frozen pipes in homes can be a major inconvenience and can cause costly damage if not properly addressed. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe and potentially causing it to burst. This can lead to flooding and water damage in the home, as well as the need for costly repairs.

If you suspect frozen pipes in your home, give the professionals at Green Attic a call now at 847-929-9492.

Signs Of Frozen Pipes

Limited Water Lack of running water is one of the first signs of frozen pipes most people notice.

Bulging Pipes When water freezes, water molecules expand, causing tremendous pressure that can make a pipe bulge noticeably.

Gurgling Sounds If your pipes start “talking,” making banging or gurgling sounds, it can indicate you’ve got ice traveling through your pipes.

Condensation and Cracks If you notice a pipe covered in a condensation layer or small surface cracks, it maybe freezing.

Smelly Water A sewage smell emanating from your faucets usually accompanies a freezing exterior sewer line.

What To Do If A Frozen Pipe Bursts

If a pipe bursts in your home, it is important to take immediate action to minimize damage and prevent further issues. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and turn it off. This will stop the flow of water to the pipe that has burst.
2. If the burst pipe is causing water to flood the area, try to contain the water as much as possible. You can use towels or buckets to soak up the water and prevent it from spreading.
3. If the water is coming from a hot water pipe, be cautious as the water may be hot and could cause burns.
4. If the burst pipe is in a location that is difficult to access, such as behind a wall or under a floor, you may need to help to repair the pipe. In the meantime, continue to contain the water as best you can.

5. If the burst pipe is causing significant damage to your home, such as flooding or water damage to walls or floors, call us to assess the damage and make repairs.
6. Once the pipe has been repaired and the water has been cleaned up, take steps to prevent future pipe bursts, such as insulating your pipes, fixing any leaks, and maintaining the plumbing in your home.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

There are a few steps homeowners can take. Here’s how to stop pipes from freezing:

• One of the most effective methods is to keep the temperature in the home above freezing, especially in areas where pipes are located, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. It is also a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes to keep them warm. If a cold snap is expected, it can be helpful to open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, and to let faucets drip to keep water moving through the pipes.
• If a pipe does freeze, it is important to thaw it out as soon as possible to reduce the risk of it bursting. This can be done by applying heat to the affected area using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater. It is important to never use an open flame or propane torch to thaw pipes, as this can be dangerous and may cause a fire. If the pipe is inaccessible or the problem cannot be resolved, call Green Attic for assistance.

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How To Avoid Pipes Freezing

An ounce of prevention really can have a huge impact on keeping your pipes from freezing this winter. Help prevent frozen pipes by:

• Draining exterior water lines to prevent pressure from building up.
• Insulating water pipes in unheated exterior walls, the basements or a crawl space
• Using sleeve-type insulation to help keep interior pipes above 20 F.
• Keeping faucets open, even just a trickle, whenever temperatures are close to freezing.
• Using space heaters for uninsulated areas or during extreme cold snaps. If possible, close room doors after unplugging a space heater to keep areas warm longer.

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