Winter can be a magical time of year. Snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire, and hot chocolate make the season enjoyable. But it’s not all fun and games. When temperatures drop, your home faces some challenges — one of the biggest being frozen pipes.
If not handled properly, frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes, costly repairs, and a whole lot of frustration. Knowing what to do if your pipes are frozen can save you from dealing with water damage and expensive plumbing repairs. If you’re dealing with frozen pipes right now, or you just want to be prepared, here’s what to do when pipes freeze.
Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
Before jumping into thawing methods, you need to know if your pipes are actually frozen. Here are some common signs:
- No water or only a trickle coming out of your faucets
- Strange smells coming from your drains
- Frost or condensation on exposed pipes
- Banging or clanking noises when you turn on the water
- Low or no water pressure
If you notice any of these, your water pipes could be frozen. Now, it’s time to figure out where the problem is.
What to Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen in Akron & Northeast Ohio
The first thing to remember is not to panic. A frozen pipe doesn’t always mean a burst pipe, but you’ll need to act fast to avoid bigger problems. Here’s what to do if your pipes are frozen:
1. Locate the Frozen Section
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, chances are your pipes are frozen somewhere along the line. Common places to check include:
- Pipes along exterior walls
- Uninsulated pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or attics
- Exposed pipes near outdoor hose bibs or water sprinkler supply lines
If you’re unsure how to find where pipes are frozen, look for frost on the outside of the pipes or touch them to see if one section feels much colder than the rest.
2. Open the Faucet
Before you start thawing, open the affected faucet slightly. This allows the water to flow as the ice melts, relieving pressure inside the pipe. A burst pipe is often caused by the buildup of pressure rather than the ice itself.
3. Start Thawing the Pipe
Once you’ve identified the frozen section, you need to thaw frozen pipes carefully. Here are a few safe ways to do it:
- Use a Space Heater: Placing a small heater near the frozen pipe can help warm the surrounding air.
- Apply a Heating Pad: Wrap a heating pad around the pipe and set it to a low temperature.
- Try a Hairdryer: Move it slowly along the pipe to warm it up.
- Use Heat Tape or a Heat Cable: These are great for keeping pipes warm in colder climates.
Never use an open flame like a charcoal stove or propane torch, as this can damage the pipes or cause a fire.
Check for Leaks
As the ice melts, keep an eye on the pipe. If you notice water spraying or dripping, you may have a broken pipe. In that case, shut off the main water supply immediately and call professional plumbers.
Will Frozen Pipes Unfreeze on Their Own in Akron & Northeast Ohio?
Technically, yes — frozen pipes thaw once the temperatures rise. But waiting for nature to take its course isn’t a great idea. The longer your pipes stay frozen, the higher the chance of a pipe bursting. Plus, you might be stuck without running water for days, which is more than a little inconvenient.
How Long Does It Take for Frozen Pipes to Unfreeze?
The time it takes for frozen pipes to unfreeze depends on a few factors, including the severity of the freeze, the method used to thaw them, and the surrounding temperature. If you’re applying direct heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater, frozen pipes can thaw in 30 minutes to a few hours. If you’re simply waiting for warmer weather or turning up your home’s heat, it could take much longer — potentially a full day or more.
To speed up the process, keep the faucet open to relieve pressure and allow melted ice to flow out. If your pipes remain frozen despite your efforts, or if you suspect a pipe burst, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.
Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Future
Once you’ve dealt with frozen pipes, you probably don’t want to go through it again. The good news is there are plenty of ways to prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the Heat On
Even if you’re heading out of town, don’t turn off your heat. Keeping your home at the same temperature day and night helps prevent frozen pipes.
Let Faucets Drip
On particularly cold nights, let a cold water drip run from your faucets. This keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing.
Add Insulation
Insulating water pipes is one of the best ways to prevent freezing. Use a pipe sleeve or wrap pipes in foam insulation, especially in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
Open Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Keeping bathroom cabinet doors and kitchen cabinets open allows warm air to circulate around exposed water pipes. This is especially helpful for sinks located on exterior walls.
Relocate Exposed Pipes
If frozen pipes are a recurring problem, relocating exposed pipes to a more insulated area might be worth considering.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Before winter hits, drain water from water sprinkler lines, swimming pool supply lines, and outdoor faucets. Also, store hoses and shut off water to outdoor hose bibs to prevent freezing.
Keep Garage Doors Closed
If you have water supply pipes running through your garage, keeping the garage doors closed helps trap warm air and protect them from freezing temperatures.
When to Seek Professional Help for Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, pipes freeze, and things get out of hand. If you can’t find the frozen pipe, if a pipe bursts, or if you suspect serious damage, it’s time to bring in an expert. Professionals have the tools and experience to handle frozen pipes safely and prevent a small issue from turning into a major disaster.
If you need frozen pipe repair in Akron, Ohio, or one of the surrounding areas, Apollo can help. Our team knows what to do when pipes freeze. We’re ready to thaw pipes, fix leaks, and prevent future problems.
Say Goodbye to Frozen Pipes in Akron & Northeast Ohio
Dealing with frozen pipes is never fun, but knowing what to do when pipes freeze can save you from a costly repair job. The key is acting fast, using safe thawing methods, and preventing pipes from freezing in the first place.
Now that you know what to do if your pipes are frozen, why wait to get expert assistance? If you’re facing frozen pipes or need help winter-proofing your home, Apollo’s expert plumbers in Northeast Ohio, are just a call away. Schedule your service today and keep your home safe this winter!
