The recent snowstorm that swept through most of the United States, has made its mark on many residents that live in the northern and mid western regions of the country. It hasn’t failed to make itself known in Colorado Springs as well. After all, it has been bone chilling cold in the last week, hasn’t it?
This blizzard has been so impactful that it brought along much damage to many homes that were in its path. In this article, the plumbing repair techs from One Source Home Service will discuss the damaging effects such blizzards can have on the plumbing system of a home. More specifically, we will provide all you need to know about frozen pipes, and what to do when they occur.
How Do Pipes Freeze?
The pipes in your home can freeze when there are quick drops in the temperatures. This recent blizzard brought with itself very freezing temperatures that changed the atmosphere and Colorado springs very quickly. If your home is poorly insulated, or your thermostats are too low or turned off completely, it is likely that your pipes will freeze as a result of this cold blizzard.
Most plumbers in Colorado Springs will recommend that you take proper precautions in order to prevent such events happening in your home. Read on to learn how you can prevent frozen pipes in your plumbing system.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes?
So what can you do to prevent frozen pipes? Recently we wrote a blog about how to winterize your plumbing and prepare your pipes for freezing temperatures. Winterization is a process that helps you protect your pipes from potential damage of the cold.
As you prepare for winter months, and the many storms that are awaiting us in Colorado Springs, we recommend having a plumbing repair tech assess the readiness of your plumbing system. Consider having the following elements of your home checked:
- Quality and condition of plumbing insulation – this helps keep the pipes warm and away from direct exposure to the freezing temperatures.
- Potential clogs in the pipes – when pipes are frozen, any remaining clogs will add to the pressure of the ice inside the pipe.
- Proper thermostat settings – even if you’re leaving your home for the winter, your thermostat must be set a low enough temperature to keep the pipes warm and protected from the cold.
Though these steps may seem cumbersome, dealing with a frozen pipe can be an even greater inconvenience. Call a plumber in Colorado Springs today to have your plumbing winterized.
How to Tell if a Pipe is Frozen?
If you aren’t a certified plumber, like the ones at One Source Home Service, it may be difficult to tell if a pipe is frozen. Below are a few of the telltale signs that point to frozen pipes within your home.
- Bulging or cracked pipes that have ice coming out of them
- An accumulation of frost or ice around a pipe
- Poor smells coming from the drain or a faucet
- Poor water flow, or lack thereof
- Strange, sounds like, whistling, banging, or bubbling when you flush the toilet
These are all signs that your pipes are frozen. We want to caution you against one more sign that requires immediate assistance. If you see any water or puddles on the ceilings or walls, you must call an emergency plumber immediately. This will cause extensive damage to the structure of your home and may even cause mold.
What to do About a Frozen Pipe?
Frozen pipes can put you in quite the pickle. However, we do have some tips for you to follow in order to resolve the situation. Try one of these steps to see if you can thaw out your pipes on your own:
- If the frozen pipe is visible and easy to reach, use your hair dryer or space heater to thaw out the ice. One thing that you shouldn’t do is use a flammable device that has an open flame against this pipe. Doing so can cause a fire.
- If you know that there is a frozen pipe that you can’t reach, make sure to turn off the main water supply. This will prevent any more pressure on that pipe and prevent it from bursting.
- After successfully thawing out that clogged, frozen pipe, check it for any water, leaks or damage.
Award Winning Plumbing Repair Services in Colorado Springs
Finally, the easiest suggestion we can give you is to contact your local plumbing repair service to assist you with your frozen pipes. One Source Home Service is available 24/7 to provide you with the best plumbing repairs in the city. We are just one phone call away from restoring your plumbing back to its original, full-functioning state. Call us today at (719) 204 1809.
