21 Dec Prevent a Frozen Pipe Repair | Always Affordable Plumbing Sacramento
Frozen Pipe Repair Sacramento | Always Affordable Plumbing
Prevent a Frozen Pipe Repair with These Simple Tips
If you are dealing with freezing temperatures, then you might have to deal with a frozen pipe repair at some point. Step 1 is to read our first article on the topic: “Frozen Pipes Can Cause Major Damage“. That article teaches you the telltale signs of a potential frozen pipe.
An Ounce of Prevention…
OK, if you suspect you have a frozen pipe, then hopefully you followed our first major step: shut off your water line! AAP can help you with that step if you need it. This will prevent extensive water damage from occurring, should a pipe end up bursting.
Identify the Frozen Pipe
The next thing to do is try to find the section of pipe that is frozen. Most commonly these will be found:
- Outside of the house, exposed just before going into the wall
- Under a sink next to an exterior wall
- In the basement or in a crawl space
A frozen pipe will have visible frost on it, or look swollen. (Think of a snake that has just swallowed its dinner.)
Fix it Before it Breaks
This is where it gets a little tricky. Often times, if a pipe is frozen, the ice will actually create a plug in any damaged areas. You will know for sure that you had frozen pipe damage once it thaws, because that is when water can escape through any cracks or holes that were created.
If you find a frozen pipe, and there is visible damage (crack, bulging) that is being plugged by ice, then call Always Affordable Plumbing right away, and keep your water turned off!
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe
If you find a pipe that you suspect is frozen, or has frost all around it, but there is no visible damage, then you may try to thaw the frozen pipe yourself. The best way to do this is to use a blow dryer or heat lamp. DO NOT USE a blow torch! That is too hot and too dangerous. First and foremost, make sure you already turned off the main water supply to the house. Water damage is much more expensive than just a frozen pipe repair.
If the suspected section of pipe is located inside the house (under a sink, or in a crawl space for example) be sure to have towels ready. Once that ice plug melts, any water in the line will pour out of any cracks that were created. It helps if you keep the faucet nearest the frozen pipe open, so you know when the line has been thawed. Additionally, if water starts to come out of the faucet, then you can be pretty sure that your pipe did not rupture.
Once you thaw the frozen pipe, watch the pipe for any external leaks or cracks.
If you need a frozen pipe repair, AAP can help. Hopefully by following these steps you have been able to prevent extensive water damage, making the repair much easier.
How to Prevent a Frozen Pipe
So, to prevent this problem all together, there are a few simple steps to take if you are expecting freezing temperatures.
- Insulate any exposed pipe-This is fairly simple to do with basic foam insulation available at any home improvement store. For extreme cold conditions (not typically found in Sacramento) you may want to use electric heat cable during the winter.
- Leave the faucet on a slow drip-moving water is harder to freeze, so keep the lines moving by allowing a slow trickle to flow during the coldest parts of the evening.
- Disconnect your hose-if you have garden hoses outside, be sure to disconnect them during the winter when they are not in use.
- Turn off the water supply to your exterior faucets/spigots-since these are located outside, they are very prone to freezing. Sometimes they connect to your main internal water line, which increases the likely hood of having a frozen pipe. There should be a separate shut-off for your external water supply. Turn it off during periods of expected freezing temperatures. Also, open those external faucets/spigots all the way, so that any remaining water that does freeze has somewhere to escape.
A Different Sacramento Plumber Experience
If you need a Sacramento plumber, call AAP. Whether you need a FREE Home Plumbing Inspection, emergency 24-hour plumbing services, a sewer line replaced, or have an issue with a frozen pipe, Always Affordable Plumbing is here for you. Service, quality, and affordability for our customers always comes first. Call today to schedule your appointment!
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Frozen Pipe Repair Sacramento | Always Affordable Plumbing