How to Deal With Frozen Pipes in the Home

Thu, Jan 09, 2025 03:27 CET

Frozen pipes are a very common and frustrating occurrence during the colder months. When the outdoor temperatures plummet, the water within pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand. This expansion puts some significant pressure on the pipe walls and can potentially lead to cracks or even catastrophic bursts. The consequences of a burst pipe can be severe, resulting in significant water damage, costly repairs, and even potential safety hazards.

A hand holding a pipe

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Property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this comprehensive guide, which will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to deal with frozen pipes effectively. Here, you will learn some brilliant preventative measures, thawing techniques, and essential steps you'll need to take in the event of a burst pipe. Read on to find out everything you need to know about dealing with frozen pipes in the home…

Proactive Prevention: The Crucial First Step

The very best way to deal with frozen pipes in the home is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Here are some proactive measures that you can take:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use insulation like foam pipe sleeves or heat tape to wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
Pay close attention to the pipes near the exterior walls.

Seal Any Air Leaks

Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.

Keep Your Garage Doors Closed

If your water supply lines run through the garage, be sure to keep the garage door closed, especially during cold snaps.

Let Faucets Drip Slightly

During extremely cold periods, allow a trickle of water to flow from the faucets served by exposed pipes. The moving water is less likely to freeze.

Open Cabinet Doors

Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

Identifying Frozen Pipes

There are several ways in which you can identify frozen pipes in the home. Here are the signs that your pipes may be frozen:

No water or low water pressure – This is the most common sign of a frozen pipe.
Gurgling or hissing sounds – These noises may indicate that water is trying to flow through a partially frozen pipe.
Visible signs of a burst pipe – Look out for signs of water damage, such as wet spots on the ceilings or walls.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If you suspect a frozen pipe, you should attempt to thaw it gradually. Never use an open flame, as this could cause a fire or damage to the pipe. Here are some safe thawing methods:

Apply Heat Gradually

Heat wrap or heating pad – Wrap an electric heating pad or heat wrap around the frozen section of the pipe.
Hair dryer – Use a hair dryer to gently warm the frozen area. Start at the faucet end and work your way towards the frozen section.
Hot water bottles or towels – Apply hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water to the frozen area.

Run Warm Water

If the frozen section is accessible, run some warm water over the pipe.

Open a Nearby Faucet

As the pipe thaws, open the faucet closest to the frozen section. This will help to relieve the pressure and allow water to flow through.

Dealing With a Burst Pipe

A frozen pipe is at risk of bursting. There are several steps you will need to take if you do experience a burst pipe. Take a look at the list below:

Turn off the mains water supply – Locate the mains water shut-off valve (usually close to the water meter or under the kitchen sink) and turn it off.
Turn of the electricity – If water has come into contact with electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity at the mains switch.
Open the faucets – Open the faucets in the home to relieve the pressure in the pipes.
Locate the source of the leak – Determine the location of the burst pipe.
Contact a plumber – Call a licensed plumber to come out and repair the burst pipe.

Preventing Future Problems

There are also some steps that you can take to prevent future problems. Take a look at the list below:

Insulate the pipes – Ensure proper insulation of the pipes in vulnerable areas.
Regularly inspect the pipes – Check for signs of damage or leaks.
Maintain your heating system – A properly functioning heating system will help to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Know the location of your mains water shut-off valve – This will allow you to quickly turn off the water supply in case of an emergency.

When to Call a Professional

If you experience any of the below problems, it’s best to call a professional:

If you are unable to locate the frozen section of a pipe
If you are uncomfortable thawing the pipe yourself
If the pipe has already burst
If you suspect significant water damage

Additional Tips

Below is a list of additional tips to help you deal with frozen pipes in the home:

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers – This should include numbers for your plumber, electrician, and water supply company.
Have a backup water supply – Consider storing some bottled water or using a water filter to ensure access to clean water during an emergency.
Stay informed – Monitor the local weather conditions and forecasts. Take precautions during any cold snaps.

Final Thoughts

By following the recommendations outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the potential for water damage in your home.

Remember, prevention is always the best course of action. Implement the preventative measures outlined above, and you can enjoy peace of mind during the winter months.

However, if you do encounter a frozen pipe, remain calm and follow the thawing techniques outlined. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, or if you suspect a burst pipe, err on the side of caution and contact a qualified plumber.

With a little preparation and knowledge, you can effectively deal with frozen pipes and protect your home from the associated risks.

THOMAS GOODMAN

Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.