Frozen Pipes: What to Do?

Your home heating can prevent ice from forming in your plumbing.

Are you planning on visiting friends or family over the coming weeks? We’re entering a part of the year when many families leave their homes for days and sometimes weeks. We’re also officially in winter, when nighttime temperatures are well below freezing in Windham, Tolland and Hartford Counties.

In these circumstances, too many folks return home to find that a frozen or burst pipe has caused extensive water damage. Homestead Comfort’s plumbing services team addresses many frozen pipe issues each winter. In this article, we want to tell you how you can avoid ice formation in your plumbing — plus what to do if your pipes freeze.

Why do pipes freeze up?

When the temperature drops below freezing (32°F or lower) for a while, the water in your home’s exposed pipes can freeze. Pipes in places like basements, attics, garages or exterior walls are especially vulnerable. But even pipes under sinks or in interior walls can freeze if your home is unheated during cold weather. As water ices over, the flow of water in your plumbing can become blocked.

Compounding the issue, water expands as it freezes. That expansion puts a ton of pressure on your pipes, which can lead to cracks or even bursts — and that can mean big problems for your plumbing and property.

How can you stop pipes from freezing?

The good news here is that stopping ice from forming in your plumbing is fairly simple. Just follow these easy rules:

1. Never turn your heat all the way off. We know your inclination is to save money on heating fuel while you’re away, and you can still do that. Just leave your heat set to 60°F so that your system still turns on occasionally to warm up your plumbing.
2. Open cabinets that contain pipes. These include the cabinets under sinks. Leaving them open allows warm air to reach the exposed pipes.
3. Leave a water drip. Just a trickle from a faucet will keep the water moving in your pipes.
4. Insulate exposed pipes. For as little as 50 cents per linear foot you can protect pipes from freezing.

How can you fix a frozen pipe?

Did you come home from a winter vacation to find a frozen pipe? Don’t panic! You can try warming it up with an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, or even a space heater. Just remember two crucial safety tips: never use an open flame on a pipe, and don’t use electric devices if there’s standing water.

Start thawing the pipe near the faucet and work your way toward the coldest part. Also, make sure you know where your main water shut-off is. If there’s a significant leak, you’ll want to turn the water off quickly.

Can’t fix a frozen pipe? Call Homestead Comfort.

When homeowners in eastern Connecticut need help with icy or burst plumbing, they turn to Homestead Comfort. Our plumbers are all licensed and highly experienced. We will get to you quickly, fix the issue and leave your home in excellent condition.