Frozen Pipes? What Do You Do?
It’s about to get very cold again in Saskatoon. And even though modern insulation and plumbing makes frozen pipes rarer, it does still happen, especially in older homes. So, what DO you do when your pipes freeze?
How do you know your pipes are frozen?
Although there are a few reasons why you turn on a faucet and nothing (or just a trickle of water) comes out, if it is very cold, frozen pipes could be the culprit. Check to see if your local water shut off valve has been closed, and if other faucets along that wall have been affected. If basic troubleshooting reveals no obvious problems, you may have frozen pipes. You can also look for leaks around baseboards or on the wall, bulging pipes, and condensation around pipes. Listen for gurgling as well.
What do you do?
If you suspect your pipes are frozen, it is important to turn off your water supply. This doesn’t just mean your faucet or the local shut off valve – you need to locate the main water shut off valve, which is usually located by the water meter or sometimes the water heater. Your first concern is preventing the pipes from bursting and causing more damage if that hasn’t already happened. You can technically do a wait and watch approach, but know that as ice thaws, it can increase pressure in the pipes and cause a burst.
To deal with the frozen pipe, gather towels and a mop and bucket, as there will often be lots of water when the pipe finally thaws. Keep faucets open while you thaw the pipes. Use gentle heat – a space heater on a lower setting, towels soaked in hot water, an electric heating pad or even a blow dryer – to slowly warm exposed pipes. NEVER use an open flame to do this. Then examine the pipe for any cracks or breaks that will need to be repaired.
If the pipes are not exposed or you cannot find them, you will need to contact a plumber.
How do you prevent frozen pipes?
If the temperature is expected to drop below -20, and especially if you live in an older home or have a history of frozen pipes, you will need to do some work to prevent frozen pipes from happening. First, if you have any pipes that are likely to freeze (i.e. if they are on an uninsulated wall or outside), it is best to drain those pipes before a drop in temperature. Check your window and door seals and keep your thermostat at a steady warm temperature – don’t lower the temperature while you are at work or at night. Lastly, you can leave the cold water faucet on a low drip while it is very cold, to keep water moving through the pipe, lessening the chance it will freeze. And consider having your insulation upgraded for next winter!
Frozen pipes can be a pain, but they can also be a catastrophe if you don’t deal with them appropriately. Always turn off your main water and call a plumber if you have any doubts, because a burst pipe is really going to ruin your day!