Frozen pipes can easily burst, which can cause severe damage to your home. New England residents are no stranger to below-freezing temperatures throughout the winter months. Quick and sudden drops in temperature combined with poor pipe insulation can result in frozen water pipes. Call Cranney Home Services and avoid frozen and burst pipes this winter!
Frozen Pipe Prevention
Here are some tips that every homeowner should follow to prepare their home for the winter months.
- Locate the shut-off valve – Every homeowner and the occupants of their home should know where the shut-off valve is located. If there is an emergency like the bursting of a pipe, the valve should be shut off to cut off the water flow. If there is a special tool that is needed to open and close the valve, it should be located in a central place that is easily accessible.
- Increase water heater temperature – As temperatures drop, so do the temperatures of water heaters in homes. Increasing the temperature of water heaters by a few degrees will keep water hot during the coldest of days.
- Insulate pipes – Insulating pipes that are exposed to the outside or in areas like basements and garages will safeguard them from the elements and help prevent freezing.
- Run water – In cases of extreme cold run water from every valve to avoid frozen pipes.
- Stop the flow of outside air – Check for incoming air in attics and crawl spaces and seal them with heat tape.
- Clear the snow – Remove any snow that collects in areas around water drains.
- Disconnect hoses and drains – Disconnect garden hoses before the winter months begin.
- Keep Cranney’s number handy – In any case of frozen or burst piping emergency, have our number close by and we’ll dispatch a truck ASAP to get things fixed.
Pipes and fixtures should be examined by a professional plumbing service at least once a year to check for leaks and to ensure that valves are intact. Other common-sense measures that homeowners can take to ensure that they stay free and clear of plumbing disasters include keeping drains clear of hair, grease, and other debris by using an enzyme drain maintenance cleaner at least once a month.
With any Cranney Home Services job, we offer a thoroughly detailed quote before work starts, meaning no surprises or additional fees when work is completed! We are only interested in the safety of your home and family, so our plumbing experts will always thoroughly clean up after themselves and show complete respect to your home.
We’re ready to go 7 days a week so give Cranney a call immediately when you need any frozen or burst pipe services!
Signs Of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can happen any time the temperatures dip below freezing, so how can you know that you have frozen pipes? Some signs to watch for include:
- Frost on your pipes – If you can see frost on an exposed section of your pipes, then it is a clear indicator that you have frozen pipes to deal with.
- Water won’t run – If the water won’t run when you turn on the faucet, you may have a frozen pipe.
- Unusual smells – A block in your drain can send odors back up your sewer line and into your house.
If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, get professional help right away. If left untreated, frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs. Thawing them improperly can cause them to burst or develop leaks.
Contact the team at Cranney Home Services at 978-750-6900 at the first sign of a frozen pipe.
Call Cranney Home Services For Frozen Pipe Repair
Frozen pipes aren’t something to ignore. Not handling them properly can leave you with a costly repair bill. Cranney Home Services has a team of plumbers who are ready to assist. Our licensed, uniformed plumbers will take care of the problem and help you prevent a burst pipe.
Call 978-750-6900 when you notice signs of a frozen pipe, and we will send a plumber to your North Shore home to address the problem.
Frequently Asked Burst & Frozen Pipe Questions
How Can You Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Proper insulation around exposed pipes is key to preventing frozen pipes. On particularly cold nights, leaving one faucet to drip can also help prevent the problem.
Do Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own?
Sometimes frozen pipes will thaw on their own, but because water expands, they are at risk for cracking or bursting. Addressing the problem quickly can protect against damage.
Do You Need The Help Of A Plumber For Frozen Pipes?
Because frozen pipes can lead to leaks and burst pipes, it's always best to talk to a professional plumber if you have signs of a frozen pipe in your Merrimac Valley home.
Are Frozen Pipes Dangerous?
Frozen water in a pipe puts pressure on the pipe, and this can cause it to burst. When the water thaws, a torrent will flood your building. This is why you need to avoid frozen pipes and get professional help if you notice one.
