Winter is officially here — and with it comes colder temperatures, hot chocolate, and maybe even a little snow. As it gets colder, though, it’s essential to protect your pipes from freezing. But how can you tell if your pipes are at risk? And what should you do if you find a potential problem?
Here are some warning signs of frozen pipes:
- The temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
- There is frost on an exterior pipe, or your water supply lines are bulging.
- You don’t have running water.
- Your toilets don’t refill after flushing.
- There’s a strange smell coming from a faucet or drain.
How to safely thaw frozen pipes
If you think your pipes are frozen, you need to act fast. Depending on where the blockage is, you may be able to thaw out the pipe. Here’s what to do:
- Turn off your main water valve and open all your faucets.
- Turn up the heat in your home.
- Wrap the frozen pipe with towels you’ve soaked in hot water or thaw it out with a hairdryer (never use a blow torch).
Be prepared to clean up any mess after you thaw out a blockage —have a mop, bucket, and extra towels ready to go. Your quick action will spare your floor and walls from significant water damage.
Contact us for help
If your efforts haven’t worked, or you’re unsure where the frozen pipe is located, contact us immediately. We’ll help find your problem and resolve it quickly.
