How To Thaw Frozen Pipes, According To The Pros

Learn how to properly thaw frozen pipes, and how to avoid them in the first place.

Baby, it’s cold outside, and that means it’s time to give our pipes a little extra care. While some parts of the South might remain well above freezing throughout the season, there are some locales where deep freeze warnings will start to become a regular occurrence as we work our way into the winter. To help protect your pipes from freezing, and to help you determine the appropriate course of action should you find yourself with frozen pipes (despite your best efforts), we tapped Matt Kunz, president, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company to share his expert tips and advice regarding this wintertime hazard.

Meet the Expert

Matt Kunz is the president, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Water expands when it freezes, and that can cause serious damage to pipes once they thaw. However, the damage might not necessarily stop there. Kunz says surrounding structures like ceilings, floors, and walls can all need costly repairs once all is said and done. “Additionally, water damage can create an environment conducive to mold growth, posing health risks,” he explains. “Therefore, addressing frozen pipes promptly is crucial to prevent both immediate disruptions and long-term damage to the home.”

How To Identify Frozen Pipes

Kunz says several signs come along with frozen pipes. The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold. “Unusual odors or strange sounds, such as banging or clanking, might suggest frozen pipes,” he says. “Exterior pipes that appear frost-covered or visibly frozen are also clear signs of potential issues.” If you notice any of these signs, Kunz urges homeowners to act quickly to avoid bursting pipes or other types of pipe damage.

How To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you’ve decided to thaw your pipes on your own, you’ll need to take a careful approach to ensure you don’t do more harm than good. Kunz advises following this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Frozen Section

You’ll be able to tell where the frozen area is by looking for a bulging pipe or frost on the pipe.

Step 2: Open Faucets Connected to the Frozen Pipe

This can help allow water to escape as it thaws and reduce pressure.

Step 3: Begin the Thawing Process

Select a method for thawing such as applying towels soaked in hot water or using a heating pad or blow dryer. Work from the direction of the faucet toward the frozen area.

Step 4: Be Patient

Depending on the extent of freezing as well as other factors, the thawing process could take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Keep monitoring your pipes as they thaw.

Step 5: Call a Professional if Any Issues Arise

As mentioned above, it’s important to know when it’s time to call in a pro. If the situation gets worse or is ineffective go ahead and give your plumber a call. They can provide an effective and safe resolution to your frozen pipe problem as well as help identify and fix any additional issues within the plumbing system.

Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Insulation is key in preventing frozen pipes, which means plumbing in areas like attics, exterior walls, outdoor pipes, and crawl spaces, will likely require extra insulation. Gaps in windows and doors, cracks within the walls, and any other places where cold air is sneaking in should be sealed off and the temperature within the home should remain consistent—particularly during very cold nights.

If you’ll be traveling or out of your home during the winter months, Kunz advises draining the plumbing system and putting heat on a low setting. “Overall, a combination of proactive insulation and attentive maintenance contributes to a more resilient plumbing system during freezing conditions,” he advises. Oh, and don’t forget to disconnect your garden hose.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.