Frozen Pipe Repair and Prevention Services

It’s important to know that freezing temperatures can cause damage to your pipes, especially if they’re already compromised by rust or other conditions that make them more susceptible to freezing. So what can you do when your pipes freeze?

What causes pipes to freeze?

Cold water flowing through pipes freezes when it flows into areas where there isn’t enough heat from the furnace or an electrical outlet to keep it from turning solid. You might also see ice build up on the inside of your faucet, which is a sign that your water heater is not producing enough heat for your pipes. Frozen pipes can seriously damage your property, and if you’re not careful, they’re easy to ignore. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Our expert plumbing contractors in Winston-Salem specialize in frozen pipe repair and prevention services, so we know exactly what it takes to get your pipes back up and running again. We have years of experience in the field, and our team has worked with dozens of different types of pipes over time. If you’re unsure what kind of pipes you have or how to identify whether they’re in danger of freezing up again, contact us for quality plumbing services today!

Which types of pipes are more vulnerable to freezing?

Pipes directly exposed to extreme cold weather are more susceptible to freezing. These types of pipes are most vulnerable to freezing:

  • Pipes that run through basements, garages, and crawl spaces
  • Pipes connecting outdoor water spigots
  • Pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces or attics
  • Pipes that contain polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other plastic materials
  • A heat exchanger or a sprinkler system does not protect drain pipes (outside only)

How do you know if your pipes are in danger?

Your pipes are under constant pressure and don’t appreciate being neglected. They’ll do whatever it takes to get their share of water, including freezing!

If your pipes are constantly freezing, it’s time to check them out. Pipes can freeze for various reasons, but the most common reason is that they are not insulated properly. If you live in an area where temperatures drop low enough to cause this problem, you should invest in some insulation.

It’s also possible that your pipes are old and brittle. This can make the pipes more prone to freezing when the temperature drops below freezing. Fix any leaks in your plumbing system so that water doesn’t pool in unexpected places and freeze over. If you notice cracks or bulges on your pipes, it could indicate that they’re ready to burst. If this happens, call a professional immediately!

So how can you tell if your pipes are in danger? Here are some signs:

  • Unusual Sounds
    You might hear gurgling or splashing water when there shouldn’t be any. If this happens, again and again, it’s likely that your pipes have frozen.
  • Low Water Pressure
    If your faucet isn’t working properly and the pressure is low all around your house, it’s probably because one pipe has frozen. To fix this problem, call us today!
  • Damp Drywall
    Another sign of frozen pipes is damp drywall; the walls may feel damp or dampish when touched. A clog could cause this in one pipe or more located throughout the wall cavity, where moisture has collected over time due to excessive water usage elsewhere.
  • Pipes Covered in Ice
    You’ll see large chunks of ice covering certain pipes. These chunks could block water flow and cause damage if they fall into other pipes and cause flooding.

How do you thaw frozen pipes?

  • Pour hot water into the pipe as quickly as possible. If you heat the pipe, it will thaw out more quickly. However, if your pipes are frozen and you can’t heat them, you’ll have to use a lot of water to try and thaw them out.
  • Use a hair dryer to thaw out your pipes! Just be careful not to burn yourself or anything else that gets in your dryer’s air stream.
  • Turn off all electricity to your house before trying this method—you don’t want any stray sparks causing an explosion! Continue to apply heat to the pipes until the water pressure is restored.
  • Keep exposed water pipes covered with foam pipe insulation—you can use heat tape.
  • Allow water to trickle from faucets when temperatures drop below freezing—that way, all of that trapped moisture will stay warm and won’t freeze as quickly!
  • Keep your furnace on so it’s constantly heating the air in your home, which will help prevent ice formation on your pipe.
  • The best course of action: Don’t try to thaw the water yourself if you’ve frozen pipes. You can do more harm than good; calling a professional is always the best action.

How do you prevent frozen pipes?

Pipes can freeze in any climate, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk of frozen pipes.

  • Turn off the main water supply valve or the water supply at the main meter.
  • Insulate exposed pipes with a blanket or tarp, especially those that run under foundations, porches, and decks.
  • If your home has a crawl space under it, insulate that too!
  • Keep an eye on temperatures inside and outside, especially if you live in a cold-weather area.
  • Remove any plant leaves from the pipes and drain them frequently.
  • Make sure all the connections to your pipes are insulated properly.
  • Give your pipes a good cleaning every month, especially if exposed to water.

What is the best course of action?

You need to call professionals when you’re having trouble with your pipes. Water damage is a reality in all homes and cannot be easy to handle. That’s why we provide our customers with the most advanced technologies available to detect leaks and fix them before they become major problems.

We use the latest technology to detect leaks and rush to fix them before they get worse. Our skilled team will work quickly and efficiently to bring you back up and to run as quickly as possible so your home can continue on its normal schedule.

We can help you fix the problem and prevent it from happening again.