Frozen Pipes in Warsaw, IN
Warsaw, IN is known for its harsh winters, so it should come as no surprise that many homeowners get nervous about frozen pipes. It’s important to keep in mind that cold snaps can happen any time from late fall through early spring. They’re not exclusive to the coldest months of winter. Homeowners who want to avoid leaks need to be proactive about providing pipe protection so they don’t get caught off-guard.
Homeowners who want to keep their pipes from freezing can’t afford to wait until a cold snap is about to hit. They must take preventative action to ensure that their plumbing systems are protected and come up with a plan for what to do when the temperatures start to plunge. Here’s what Indiana homeowners need to keep in mind:
Most plumbing systems in Indiana already feature some insulation for exposed pipes. Homeowners who have dealt with burst pipes in the past may want to add an extra layer of insulation for added protection.
If there are small cracks or holes beneath the cabinets, now is the time to repair them. Sealing or covering them can help to keep the cold air away from the pipes so they’re less likely to freeze.
Plan to keep the heat on when the weather forecast is calling for a cold snap, even when no one is in the home. Some families also purchase dedicated space heaters to leave near exposed pipes.
Just keeping the living areas of the home warm may not be enough on a cold night. Open up the cabinet doors that hide the pipes beneath the bathroom and kitchen sinks so the warm air can get in.
While few homeowners want to waste water by leaving the faucets on, there’s something to this advice. It’s much more affordable to waste a few gallons of water than it is to thaw frozen pipes and pay for the water damage they often cause.
Think one of the pipes may have already frozen and burst? Even though the damage is already done, it’s important to take action quickly and call a plumber when these warning signs are present:
If turning on the taps has no effect after a freezing cold night or there’s only a weak trickle of water coming out, the pipe is probably blocked by ice. Call a plumber for pipe thawing right away to minimize further damage.
If there’s condensation on the outside of a pipe during a cold snap, that usually means the water inside is frozen. This symptom is most common on pipes hidden beneath floors, in basements, or close to exposed walls.
When homeowners start to hear banging noises coming from their pipes following a hard freeze, it often indicates that there are pieces of ice flowing through them. Unfortunately, these noises don’t necessarily mean homeowners are in the clear, so it’s still important to call a plumber.
If a pipe has one or more visible cracks, but it doesn’t appear to be leaking, the water inside may still be frozen. When it thaws, it will start coming out of the crack and may even cause the pipe to burst. Turn the water line off and call a plumber.
Common signs of water damage from burst pipes include pooling water, damp drywall, bulging walls, or visible staining on ceilings. Call a professional immediately to avoid further damage.
It’s never wise to assume that the water inside frozen pipes will simply thaw on its own and cause no further trouble, nor is it a good idea to treat pipe thawing as a DIY project. Pipes can sustain further damage as the ice thaws, and the risks associated with DIY methods for pipe thawing can also pose a safety risk to homeowners, their families, and their properties. Never use an open flame for thawing, and don’t assume the problem will resolve itself. Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling for help right away.
Summers Plumbing offers emergency services, so don’t hesitate to call, even on the longest, coldest night of the year. These experts know how important it is to keep the home’s plumbing in top condition. Once they’ve successfully thawed the pipe and repaired any damage from the freeze, the pros at Summers Plumbing can recommend and implement a long-term plan for preventing future problems, as well.
It’s never wise to put off dealing with frozen pipes. Thankfully, the experts at Summers Plumbing are always available to help. Give them a call any time to discuss options for more effective pipe protection.
