Avoid the Freezing Pipes Nightmare

JB Thompson • November 27, 2024

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Why Pipes Freeze and Burst

Pipes can freeze when they’re exposed to freezing temperatures for prolonged periods. Especially the pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, or exterior walls. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe, which can cause it to crack or burst.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Taking proactive steps can save you time, money, and frustration:

Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap pipes. This works best in unheated spaces like garages, crawl spaces, and basements.

Seal Cracks and Openings Check for gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal them.

Let Faucets Drip During extreme cold. You can let a small trickle of water run from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. This keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.

Keep Your Home Warm Maintain a consistent temperature, even if you’re away. Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F to keep pipes warm.

Open Cabinet Doors that may hide pipes in cold areas. Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks by leaving cabinet doors open. This is especially helpful if those pipes are near exterior walls.

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect a pipe is frozen. Act quickly to prevent it from bursting:

Turn Off the Water Supply Shut off the main water valve to reduce pressure in the pipes.

Thaw the Pipe Use a hairdryer or space heater to gently warm the pipe. Start closest to the faucet and work backward. Never use an open flame like a blowtorch—it’s dangerous and can damage the pipe.

Call Garot Plumbing If you can’t thaw the pipe or suspect it’s already burst, give us a call. Our professional team can handle the issue quickly and safely.

Dealing with Burst Pipes

When a pipe bursts, the key is to minimize property damage:

Shut Off the Water Immediately Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water.

Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas. If water is near electrical outlets or appliances. Please turn off the electricity to avoid hazards. If needed please contact an electrician. 

Drain the System Open all faucets to let water drain from the pipes.

Document the Damage Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Please do this before you start cleanup.

Call Garot Plumbing Our experienced plumbers will repair the burst pipe. Let us help get your home back to normal.

Protect Your Property with Garot Plumbing

Frozen and burst pipes are a winter nightmare, but you don’t have to face it alone. Garot Plumbing is here to help Green Bay residents with preventative measures. We can also provide you with guidance to minimize property loss.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call us today at (920) 499-2202 to set up an appointment. 

Stay warm, stay safe, and trust Garot Plumbing to keep your home protected this winter
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