Frozen pipes don’t care if it’s the dead of night. In fact, it’s common for them to reach their breaking points while you’re sleeping—when temperatures are at their coldest. Wayward water spraying from a burst pipe isn’t an issue you can postpone. Taking immediate action limits the damage, and McQuillan Bros is there when you need us. That’s why our frozen pipe
repair teams are available 24/7.
It’s easy to know you have a problem when your pipes break and water sprays everywhere. Frozen pipes don’t always reach that point, however. To help you avoid water damage during winter months, our NATE-certified team recommends that you get in the habit of checking your plumbing system, particularly the exposed pipes in your home and basement. Keep an eye out for these four telltale signs, especially during extended spells of cold weather:
- Water pressure noticeably drops when you run the faucets
- You can’t draw water at all
- Frost has visibly accumulated on exposed pipes
- Unusual smells emanate from pipes & drains, signaling a blockage
The best way to stop water from freezing in the first place is to add exterior insulation to exposed pipes. This practice traps warmth inside, preventing water from turning to ice and putting pressure on your piping.
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
- Stay ready to clean up
- Only open the faucets leading to the frozen pipes
- Start thawing near the faucets and work your way outside
- Use a heat source such as a space heater, hairdryer, or heat lamps to heat
Our Ramsey County and Washington County plumbers are a quick phone call away when plumbing issues threaten to ruin your day—or week. Plumbing problems are one of the most dreaded homeowner hassles. A broken pipe can be a nightmare, and no one wants to be searching for Saint Paul plumbers as their house slowly floods.
When things seem dire, call our family-owned plumbing team. Our legacy of plumbing repair service dates back to 1883, and our team of licensed, certified technicians can handle virtually any plumbing repair.
If you spot the telltale signs of a frozen pipe or you’ve already been dealing with a leaky, cracked or burst pipe, our trained and licensed technicians are here to solve your problem. McQuillan Bros plumbing experts take great pride in providing efficient, friendly service, no matter when you need us. Contact our certified plumbing team to get a free estimate for non-emergency pipe repairs. In case of emergency, call (651) 292-0124—day or night.
