Frozen pipes are a common problem in areas where the temperatures reach the single digits or get below zero for an extended period of time. There is a risk of your pipes bursting when the water inside freezes and expands, so it’s important to understand how to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing in the winter. If your pipes do freeze, it’s important to get your system treated right away by a professional plumber. Bridgeport, Ct. has reputable plumbing services that can quickly and efficiently assist you when your pipes freeze in the winter.
Frozen Pipe Preventative Maintenance
While frozen pipes are a problem in the winter, it is possible to prevent your pipes from freezing during particularly cold days or nights. Before the severe winter weather sets in, remember to unhook all hoses from the outside and keep the hose bibs open. Should water inside the hose area freeze, keeping the bib open will help to prevent a burst. Insulate pipes located in very cold areas of your home, including crawl spaces, basements, garages, or any other area exposed to cold air.
You can speak with your plumber in Bridgeport, Ct. about the best type of insulation for your plumbing. There are specially designed pipe sleeves or heat tapes that work well to keep pipes from freezing. It’s also important to keep a trickle of water running through your pipes. The small amount of pressure inside the pipe will help prevent the water from freezing, and the flow is so small that it shouldn’t affect your water bill too greatly.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
The first sign you have a frozen pipe is when you turn on the faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, or worse, nothing comes out. Your first instinct will be to try and get the water flowing again. The average homeowner will attempt to heat pipes with a heating pad, warm towels, or a blow dryer. However, some plumbing systems aren’t easily accessible, or it’s so cold outside that you can’t gather enough heat to defrost the pipes. It’s important that if your first efforts aren’t successful that you call a professional plumber in the Bridgeport, Ct. area to help. The longer your pipes stay frozen, the greater the risk of a burst. A plumber has the tools and knowledge to efficiently thaw your pipes and get your water running again.
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