When Frozen Pipes Threaten To Flood Your Home

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are common during the winter.

There are several causes of frozen pipes during the winter. Some of the most common reasons for this problem include: 

• Extremely cold temperatures
  
• Faulty taping
  
• Inadequate insulation
  
• Broken or malfunctioning thermostats
  

When any of these seemingly small issues cause a pipe freeze, the frozen water expands and may rupture the pipe, creating a much larger problem. One of the best ways to avoid this type of water damage in Ogden, UT, is to check for cracks, splits, and other damage along the pipes before winter weather sets in.

How To Take Care of Frozen Water in the Pipes

If you do notice that you have frozen pipes, but they haven’t ruptured yet, you can take quick action to avoid further damages. Start by inspecting the pipes for cracks and other signs of damage. Next, use the main shut-off valve to prevent a flood if the pipes do rupture while you’re working. At this point, you can increase the amount of insulation around the pipes and wait for them to warm up, or you can use a gentle source of heat, keeping the temperature warm, not hot.

How To Identify Icy Water in the Pipes

How can you tell that the water in your pipes is frozen? One of the first and most obvious signs is that the water isn’t running from your faucet. However, depending on where the pipe freeze is located, some faucets may have running water while others don’t. If you suspect there’s frozen water, turn on the water in all faucets. This will help you identify where the problem is. Here’s an important tip: If you’re expecting a drastic drop in temperatures, you can leave the faucets open with a small trickle running through. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing and also helps melt any ice that has already formed.

When the Damage Has Already Happened

When frozen pipes have already caused damage in your home, cleanup and reconstruction professionals can help resolve wood that has become swollen and may be able to save water-soaked drywall.