Winter in Indianapolis is notorious for unpredictable and often brutal weather with extremely low temperatures. Plummeting temperatures can cause all kinds of hazards for homeowners, one of the most common being frozen pipes. If you suspect your pipes have frozen, you can attempt to fix them yourself or you can call a plumber. Fixing frozen pipes on your own can be dangerous so, at Indy Renovation, we recommend calling a professional. However, if you decide to thaw them yourself, here are some tips to get you started.
How to Fix Your Frozen Pipes
- Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this.
- Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. This can be done by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hair dryer, or both.
- Know what not to do. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove, or a space heater to thaw your frozen pipes.
- Continue applying heat until water flow returns to normal. Once you have successfully thawed the pipe, turn on other faucets in your home to check for any more frozen water pipes.
- Take swift action if the frozen pipes are located inside an exterior wall. Cut a hole in the wall toward the inside of the house to expose those pipes to warmer air.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses, and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
- Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
- Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
- Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
- Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees when you leave your home.
- Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
If your frozen pipes have burst or you would like the help of a professional for the thawing process, contact Indy Renovation immediately at (317) 375-4464. Our licensed plumbers can take care of your plumbing emergency swiftly and with high-quality service, to give you peace of mind.
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