Got frozen pipes? Here are some expert tips to follow before calling an Ohio plumber
Freezing temperatures, snow and ice will blast through much of the country this week and in Ohio, that’s nothing new.
With temperatures bottoming out around 10 degrees and snow in the forecast, it’s time to bust out puffer coats and put sweaters on your pets. But don’t forget that your home might need some warmth, too, including those pesky outdoor pipes.
However, if you do find yourself in a bind, we’ve rounded up some expert tips to try if your pipes freeze this week before you get a chance to call a plumber.
How to fix frozen pipes
Of course, if you have some tips to prepare beforehand, here’s what you should do:
Make sure your home and pipes are insulated
“For starters, keep all the doors inside your house open as often as possible,” said experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing in Youngstown, Ohio.
“You also want to check the insulation in your house. If you don’t have any, don’t hesitate to install insulation. A tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.”
Another tip is to insulate your pipes outside with towels or heat tape. And if you keep your faucet running with even just a trickle of water, it prevent your pipes from fully freezing.
If you forgot to do these things before the freeze, here’s what to do if your pipes are frozen:
Turn off water supply and locate frozen pipe
According to Lowe’s experts, you should immediately turn off your water supply when your pipes freeze. However, you should leave your faucet open so that it reduces pressure in the pipes, ultimately preventing a busted or ruptured pipe.
Next, look for the frozen portion of the pipe.
“Determine which faucets aren’t delivering water and check the pipes that supply them. If none of the faucets in the home are working, the freeze point may be in the main supply line, so you’ll need to check areas where supply lines enter your home,” Lowe’s experts said.
Not sure where to look? Here’s a tip: feel the pipes to see which parts are cold or look around for frost on the pipes.
Thaw the pipe
Lowe’s experts suggest the following once you find the frozen portion of the pipe:
Use a hair dryer to direct heated air toward the pipe.
Position an electric space heater to warm the pipe.
Soak cloths in hot water and wrap them around the pipe. Place a bucket underneath the pipe to catch the runoff. Replenish the cloths as they cool to keep the pipe warm. You can also pour hot water over the cloths.
It may take 30 to 60 minutes to fully thaw the pipe and see a flow of water coming through the faucet. But even after the water pressure returns, it is recommended that heat stay on the pipe for a while.
Check for other leaks or signs of a burst pipe
Last, but not least is to check your pipes again for any leaks or signs of a burst, even after the water pressure has returned to normal.
“After thawing the water line, use a rag, cloth, or paper towel to wipe the pipe down and inspect it for signs of damage or leaks,” said Timothy Dale with Better Homes & Gardens.
And what should you absolutely not do?
“When thawing a pipe, never use an open flame. If you’re thinking of using your trust propane torch, drop the idea,” a Mr. Rooter Plumbing representative said. “Not only will an open flame damage the pipe, but it will also put your home at risk of catching fire.”
If you do find damage and you’ve exhausted all your do-it-yourself methods, it’s probably time to call a plumber.
Do you have more tips? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
