Frozen Pipe Repair
Frozen Pipe Repair in Minnesota
The cold season comes with its share of problems. One of the problems you might be too familiar with as a homeowner are frozen pipes. There is little preventing you can do for a pipe that is already frozen. However, you still need to identify the pipe and repair it before you encounter more problems.
Below are some of the steps you need to take if you find out that any of your pipes are frozen.
Identify the Frozen Pipe(s)
If you suspect a frozen pipe inside your home, the first thing you need to do is to identify it. Sometimes, this is usually easy to spot on visible plumbing because the pipe will be covered in frost or bulging from the expanded water. Remember, though, that not aloof, your plumbing is visible.
Also, if the water in faucets or your toilet won’t flow during the winter seasons, there is a high chance that a pipe is frozen somewhere, and you might need a plumbing repair contractor in ST. Paul, MN.
Start by Thawing Your Pipes
Your pipes will need thawing to get rid of the ice first. Do not under any circumstances let it thaw out on itself because it will burst your pipe. Remember, water expands when freezing. Therefore, if it finds an unyielding pipe, it will add enough pressure to break it. Depending on where the crack happens, this can lead to flooding inside your house.
- Shut off the water supply from the main. This prevents flooding in the event the damage on the pipe is expansive. The ice within the pipe could have been acting as a plug preventing water from leaking.
- Stay ready to clean up. Sometimes, the pipe’s damage can be extensive enough to cause water damage to your property if not handled properly. Keep a bucket and mop handy for when the thawing is done, and water starts leaking.
- Only open the faucets leading to the frozen pipes. This helps relieve the pressure of the water as you are thawing it.
- Start thawing near the faucets and work your way outside. This way, whatever water is in the pipes will find its way into the faucet and leave the pipe clear. Gilmore Heating & Air, a Sacramento plumbing company, agrees that you should start from the other end because it only creates more pressure. After all, the ice will start blocking the melted water.
- Use a heat source such as a space heater, hairdryer, or heat lamps to heat. You can also use towels soaked in hot water, electric heat pads, or thermal tape to thaw down the pipe.
Avoid using anything that produces a direct flame on the pipe, such as a blow torch, to prevent the risk of starting a fire and, or damaging the pipe. Also, take all the necessary precautions when dealing with electrical products and water to prevent an electric shock.