What Should You Do if Your Pipes Freeze?

Canadian winters can be brutal on your plumbing. Since water expands as it freezes, frosty temperatures can put enormous pressure on your pipes and cause them to burst. So, what should you do if your pipes freeze? Here are some steps you can take to thaw your pipes.

How to thaw frozen pipes

It’s important to thaw pipes as soon as possible to help prevent damage. Here’s what you should do if you suspect your pipes are frozen:

1. Locate the frozen area.

To avoid potential flooding, make sure the pipe isn’t ruptured before attempting to thaw it. Visually inspect any exposed pipes for signs of frost or bulging. Once you locate it, check to see if it’s intact. If it’s ruptured, turn off the main water valve and call a licensed plumber right away. If there are no signs of a rupture, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Turn on the faucet.

Open the faucet that feeds water into the frozen pipe. Turning the faucet on will allow water to flow through the pipe, helping the ice to melt.

3. Apply heat.

Use a hair dryer to apply heat directly to the pipe. You can also wrap hot towels around it. If you can’t access the pipe because it’s behind a wall, try turning up the thermostat or using a space heater to warm the area. Keep an eye out for signs that the pipe has burst.

If following these steps fails to thaw the pipe, it’s best to call a plumber. A professional can locate the problem, thaw the pipe and repair any ruptures immediately.

How to prevent frozen pipes

It’s a good idea to take steps that will prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Prepare your home for winter by closing the shut-off valve to your outdoor faucets

• Insulate your plumbing, focusing on the most vulnerable pipes that run along exterior walls and unheated areas such as basements, attics, garages and sunrooms

• Turn the heat on and keep the temperature in your home consistently warm enough to prevent freezing day and night

• Leave your interior doors open to promote proper air circulation

Pipe repair in the GTA

Black Forest Plumbing specializes in pipe repair and replacement in the Greater Toronto Area. Plus, we offer emergency plumbing services to help minimize damage to your property. Our licensed plumbers are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. If you need a plumber, contact us today.