Frozen Pipe Repair Services Minneapolis St. Paul
It can be difficult to keep your pipes from freezing, but it’s something you need to be aware of.
Here’s why.
Frozen pipes can be a disaster for your home. When pipes freeze, they can burst.
Not only does this create a plumbing nightmare, it can lead to flooding and expensive water damage to your home.
While the winter weather in Minnesota makes frozen pipes more likely, the risk isn’t restricted to cold climates. Wherever you live, it’s critical to take preventive steps to keep your pipes from freezing.
How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing
Here are five steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing.
1. Disconnect your garden hose before winter
A frozen garden hose can actually cause an interior pipe to burst, as the water in the hose expands as it freezes, which creates pressure on the entire plumbing system.
When the temperature drops:
- Make sure to disconnect, drain, and store your garden hose before winter arrives
- If possible, close the water shut-off valve that services your outside spigots
2. Insulate your pipes
Pipes have a higher risk of freezing in less insulated parts of your home, such as attics or basements, so exposed pipes are the most susceptible to becoming frozen.
When the temperature drops:
- Wrap your pipes using foam rubber insulation or thermostatically controlled heat tape, and make sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s safety and operation instructions
- Seal any air leaks around doors and windows in your home
- Caulk any cracks or holes found near pipes, as in extremely cold temperatures, even a small opening can let in enough cold air to freeze a pipe
3. Open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom
When the temperature drops:
- Leave the cabinet doors open in your kitchen and bathroom to allow the heat in your home to keep the pipes warm
- Keep your interior doors open to let heat flow through the house
4. Keep your thermostat at the same temperature
When the temperature drops:
- Leave your thermostat on the same temperature during the day and overnight
- You may be used to lowering your thermostat at bedtime, but drops in the temperature are more common overnight, which can cause your pipes to freeze
- Keep the temperature in your home consistent
5. Leave the heat on if you’re away from home
When the temperature drops:
- If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, leave your heat on to prevent your pipes from freezing
- Set the thermostat no lower than 55° F
If Your Pipes Freeze Contact Metro Heating & Cooling!
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, or if it comes out very slowly, it’s likely that you have a frozen pipe.
Don’t panic—here’s what to do:
- Check the other faucets in your home to see if they are all frozen
- If so, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber for help right away
- If only one pipe is frozen, you may be able to thaw it using a hair dryer.
- Use the hair dryer to warm the pipe closest to the faucet, and work your way back toward the coldest segment of the pipe
- Do not do this in standing water—there is a risk of electrocution
- Never use a torch or an open flame to thaw a pipe – this is a fire hazard
Conclusion
If your pipes have already burst, turn off the main water shutoff valve and call a plumber.
For more tips on preventing frozen pipes, Contact Us at (651) 294-7798 today.
