What to Do If You Have Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause a lot of issues for home and business owners. Burst pipes, indoor flooding, and water damage are just a few of the harsh consequences of failing to winterize your plumbing system. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta, we offer quality residential and commercial plumbing services for property owners in Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding metro area cities. Did you try to turn on your sink or bathtub faucet, but nothing came out? Are you concerned that frozen water is to blame? Then it's important to take the appropriate steps to safely fix the situation. Here are some tips on what to do if you have frozen pipes.

Shut Off the Water Supply

If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, the first step is to shut off the main water line to your property. This will limit the amount of water damage if a pipe does burst. Failing to perform this essential task could result in major damage to your home or business.

Open a Faucet

In most cases, a burst pipe is caused by the buildup of air pressure created by the freezing and thawing of the water inside your plumbing system. Opening a faucet that is connected to a frozen pipe can help to relieve some of this pressure and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

Thaw the Ice

Next, you'll need to wait for the ice to melt. In some cases, this slow process can be hurried along using a few different methods. You could turn up the heat on your HVAC system, employ infrared lamps, turn on a portable electric heater, purchase electric pipe heat tape, or use a hair dryer on the affected area. Just be careful not to use dangerous items such as a blowtorch, charcoal stove, propane heater, kerosene lamp, or any device that uses an open flame. Doing so could create a fire hazard.

Call a Certified Plumber

If one section of your pipes has frozen, then there's a good chance that other areas of your plumbing system have suffered the same fate. It can be difficult to target these locations, especially when they are hidden behind walls. A licensed plumber will have the specialized equipment and technical training needed to inspect your entire plumbing system for signs of frozen water. They can also safely thaw the ice and repair any damage that may have been caused to your pipes or fixtures.

Do You Need Help with Your Frozen Pipes? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta

Are you worried about frozen water in your plumbing system? Call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta, GA, and get the help you need right away for any type of plumbing pipe repair. Our team of certified, licensed, and insured plumbers are ready to help protect and restore your pipes. Contact our office for more information about our offerings or to schedule an appointment with a qualified plumber in Atlanta, Milton, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Cumming, Duluth, Dunwoody, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Milton, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Stone Mountain, Georgia, or a nearby community.