A Frosty Surprise This Season
Frozen pipes can be very sneaky and show up when you least expect them. As new homeowners, it’s crucial to be ready, especially when it comes to emergency plumbing situations. As your Long Island plumbers, we’re here to guide you through these icy situations and give the facts to keep your spirits warm.
Frozen Pipes: A Chilling Tale
Frozen pipes unfold like a suspenseful horror film in the world of plumbing, creeping in without warning, instilling a sense of dread. Though there are times your pipes are more likely to freeze and in certain areas, it still comes as a surprise and the damage could range from minor to major. To confront this icy ordeal, let’s navigate through the steps of how to thaw frozen pipes:
Option 1
Preventative measures are always the safest. We love heat tape and wrapping your plumbing in protective insulation. Both of these will protect your pipes from freezing. Another tried and true measure is to heat your pipes ith a hair dryer or space heater. This works on smaller pipes or pipes not located in the more frigid areas of your home (like say the kitchen verses the basement plumbing).
Option 2:
If thawing out your frozen pipes seems like to great a task, call on the expertise of a specialized Long Island plumber. Confronting the horror with professional assistance ensures a resolution we all need in our lives, and rids of that cold unwanted guest. Professionals have industrial equipment that blows the hair dryer method out of the water. Dealing with plumbing nightmares requires the right expertise and if the situation feels stubborn, reach out to a specialized Long Island plumber.
What to do if there is no Water Flow
When the water stops flowing, this indicates either frozen pipes or other plumbing issues. This is a serious concern and needs to be addressed immediately. If you would like to take a look (while you’re waiting on your plumber of course) here are some quick action steps you could take:
- Inspect for blockages: Yes, the issue could be something unrelated to winter itself. To find out, look at your faucet and fixtures for any visible problems that could prevent the water flow, just like that construction causing heavy traffic except you wouldn’t want to sit through it to see the pipe burst. Trust me it won’t resolve itself the way you might think.
- Thaw frozen sections: If frozen pipes are causing the slowdown, gently warm those pipes to encourage the water to resume its flow. Hair dryers, space heaters, and insulated tape will all encourage those icy particles to move faster. Don’t be afraid, there are no judgments if you can’t fix this part, just give your master plumber a call who is always on standby.
- Enlist professional help: Do not hesitate to call a plumber. Professional plumbing help ensures a reliable solution to keep your winter months running smoothly. If you are afraid your pipes are in danger of feezing this winter, call your local plumbers to winterize or “prep” your pipes to try to avoid potential damage.
Burst Pipes: What’s next
Burst pipes are sudden and impactful. They can lead to significant damage to your walls, flooring, and foundation if not managed properly. As we stated, preventative measures and thawing measures are recommended as to not get to this point. But let’s say you now have burst pipes – what next?!
Step 1) Turn off the water. Shut down the main water supply to halt any further liquid action.
Step 2) Send in a plumber. Plumbers are skilled players who can swiftly tackle the burst pipe.
Step 3) Initiate repair. Execute the cleanup strategy by draining any remaining water. Next, you will want to repair or replace pipes affected and start the restoration of any damages.
Combatting The Cold
When the water stops flowing, this indicates either frozen pipes or other plumbing issues. This is a serious concern and needs to be addressed immediately. If you would like to take a look (while you’re waiting on your plumber of course) here are some quick action steps you could take:
- Seal the gaps: Make sure there are no gaps or openings where cold air can blow in. Think of it as sealing your home’s windows against drafts.
- Add insulation: Apply foam pipe insulation that can be found at your local hardware store, which acts as a cozy blanket for your pipes, keeping them nice and snug. Other options include heat tape and insulation.
- Don’t forget the outdoor pipes: Even the pipes that brave the great outdoors need protection. We often remind homeowners to check the pipes in the basement and the side of their homes. These often go overlooked.
- Heat tape is a magic trick in and of itself! It’s an electrical heating device that keeps your pipes warm, preventing them from turning into home-threatening bundles of ice. Heat tape isn’t a fix-all solution to frozen pipes for the future, so make sure to use it before the cold weather sets in.
Bring in The Heat and Avoid Frozen Pipes
As you get cozy during these winter months, don’t forget to keep your home’s plumbing cozy and warm as well. Remember, professional plumbers are here for you in these frigid times. So, keep your warm sense of humor, your pipes covered up, and your Long Island home toasty. If you find yourself in need of a professional plumber, give Arco Plumbing Group a call.
