What to Do About Frozen Pipes 

What to Do About Frozen Pipes 

Winter weather creates more hazards than just snow and icy roads. Sometimes, homeowners are also forced to struggle with burst pipes and a frozen plumbing system. While prevention is the best technique for avoiding disaster, many forget to insulate and winterize their pipes and end up suffering the consequences. It's common for families to suddenly find themselves fighting a flood when the temperature drops lower than expected. At Mr. Rooter of Atlanta, we help our residential and commercial clients keep their plumbing in top condition all year long. We want you to achieve the same. Are you afraid that your pipes may be frozen? Take these steps to help reduce the amount of damage.

Watch Out for Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes

The first step to avoiding burst pipes is to understand the warning signs of frozen plumbing. Most of the time, your pipes are hidden behind a wall or beneath a cabinet, making it difficult to tell where the frozen water is located. However, if the outside temperature has dropped below 32 degrees, it's best to inspect your pipes for red flags. If you turn on the faucet and there's barely a drop of water, or if the toilet won't refill after flushing, then it's time to go hunting for visible pipes. Peek underneath the bathroom and kitchen sinks to see if you can find a frost line on the outside of the pipe. If you at all suspect that you have frozen pipes, then it's best to move onto the next step.

Turn Off Main Water Line

Next, you'll want to turn off the water supply to your home. Locate your main water, and temporarily shut it off. This will help you avoid major water damage after the frozen water in your plumbing system turns back into liquid. If you neglect this step, then you risk having a flood if your pipes burst. Need water line repair, call us now.

Carefully Thaw the Frozen Water

Gather supplies that will help you dispose of the water after the ice thaws. Have your mop and bucket and a stack of towels close at hand in case an issue occurs. In many cases, frozen pipes will cause a leak or tear somewhere in your plumbing system. Try and increase the temperature inside your home, and attempt to warm the pipes in any area where ice is present. Heat lamps, space heaters and hair dryers may work, but be sure to exercise caution when using an electrical device in a moist environment. Never leave any heating device on unattended, or you may risk starting a fire. You can also patiently wait for the ice to thaw on its own, but you'll need to keep the water turned off the entire time.

When to Call a Certified Plumber

If your pipe has burst or cracked, you'll want to call a plumber right away. Even small punctures can cause leaks that will cause a large amount of water damage if left neglected. A certified plumber will be able to inspect your entire plumbing system for signs of unseen trouble, and can make the necessary repairs and replacements. They can also help prevent a repeat occurrence by properly insulating your pipes.

Need Help with Your Frozen Pipes? Call Mr. Rooter of Atlanta

Do you suspect that low temperatures have frozen your home's pipes? Then call the experts at Mr. Rooter of Atlanta today. Our licensed and insured plumbers will work hard to make your plumbing system run smoothly again fast. Contact our office to schedule a convenient appointment.

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