Local Water Departments Warn of Frozen Pipes as Freezing Weather Approaches

Recent news shows that low temperatures are increasingly causing frozen and broken pipes, leading to extensive plumbing repair costs. The key to avoiding trouble is early detection and certain precautionary steps homeowners can take to keep the pipes from freezing. Ensure you know where the main valve for the water supply is. So, in case you ever have to turn it off, you won't waste time searching for it. Shutting off the main supply is an important step, as per experts, and it keeps water damage to a minimum.

Maintain Inside Temperatures

Another thing to consider is insulation and thermostat temperature. Keep your home temperature over 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, the pipes will remain warm and are less likely to freeze. However, if the pipes still freeze despite your efforts, you should contact a plumbing contractor near you.

Safety Precautions

Instead of trying to thaw the pipes using dangerous tools, like a blowtorch, it's best to seek expert advice. Using open flames near the pipeline could lead to irreversible damage and even fires.

Precautions to Take When Temperatures Drop

Whenever the temperatures drop to freezing points or are likely to, here are precautions you can take:

• If you have supply lines in the garage, keep the door closed through the winter.
• Keep consistent and warm temperatures inside the house, particularly in the area near the water meter, especially when you are going away for vacations.
• Keep the laundry, bathroom, and kitchen cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate the plumbing lines.
• If you plan to leave for vacation, shut off the main valve. Then, drain all water from the plumbing lines.
• Regularly inspect your pipes and get the plumbing services to check and detect any leaks or other problems.
• Keep a faucet open just enough to allow a trickle to pass through the pipes. This step will keep the pipes from freezing but will, of course, raise your water bill.
• Keep your drains in check. Make sure they are not clogged or have debris that blocks the water from passing through. Clogged drains may cause flooding and overflowing.
• Another tip is to run cold water from the lowest point in the house. This could be the tub, laundry room faucet, etc.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

One situation that could arise due to the low temperatures is that there may not be any water in your pipes. That's because they are likely frozen. So, how do we thaw the pipes?

First, we must understand where these pipes are located in the home. These could be:

• Around the exterior walls.
• Close to the water supply

First, never use a flame to thaw these pipes. Using fire or any combustible source to unfreeze the pipes is dangerous and a fire hazard. Instead, the wise thing to do is shut off the water supply's main valve. Then, call in our plumbers. This way, they can thaw pipes and repair any damage. Another fix is to turn on the tap for cold water in your laundry room, basement, or any other lowest point in the house. Then, heat the frozen part of the pipe.

You may use a hair dryer, space heater, heating pad, or warm towel. It may take you up to six hours to defrost the pipe. Once done, turn on the water slowly and check for leaks or cracks in the pipe. If these steps do not work or the pipe develops leaks, call Plumbing Services Salt Lake for immediate assistance.