When you live in a region like Colorado Springs, CO, you must ensure your home's plumbing system is equipped for the harsh winter weather. While there are many things you can do to try to prevent frozen pipes in the first place, sometimes it can’t be avoided. Fortunately, the service professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs have years of experience providing residential frozen pipe repair services for homeowners throughout Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas, including Pueblo and Fountain. Our highly qualified team understands what causes frozen pipes and has the tools to repair them effectively before they burst and cause costly property damage. Time is of the essence when your pipes are frozen, so be sure to contact the experts at your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs as soon as you notice an issue.
Why Is it Important to Repair Frozen Pipes Quickly?
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs strongly urges reaching out to a local plumbing professional when you experience frozen pipes as quickly as possible. Frozen pipes can burst in your home, resulting in a disaster that’s expensive to resolve. For example, a burst pipe can release up to eight gallons of water every minute, which can quickly cause thousands of dollars in residential damage. When pipes freeze, it causes pressure to build up to over 3000psi, potentially cracking the pipe and causing water damage to the surrounding areas. Homeowners should do everything possible to prepare their plumbing systems for freezing temperatures.
Common Signs of Frozen Pipes
Homeowners should be aware of the common signs of frozen pipes to prevent a potential burst or other property damage. Some of the most common signs your pipes are frozen include:
- Water is coming through a wall or ceiling.
- The pipes are covered in ice.
- The drywall is damp.
- Your home’s water pressure has decreased.
- Unusual sounds or odors are coming from your pipes.
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs can recommend several effective methods to reduce your risk of frozen pipes when the weather starts changing. Protecting your pipes throughout the winter can save you from property damage and the costs accompanying repairs or replacements. The following tips to prevent frozen pipes are simple and have proven successful:
- Open a faucet to let a minimal amount of cold water run to keep water moving in your pipes and prevent them from freezing.
- Allow warm air to circulate around your pipes by opening cabinets under sinks and closet doors.
- You can keep air moving around your pipes by placing a small fan near them.
- Properly seal and weather strip your windows, basement doors, and crawlspaces.
- Use proper pipe insulation materials to insulate any exposed or external pipes.
- Before the temperatures drop, drain all water from your sprinkler system.
- Disconnect and drain your outdoor water spigots and outdoor hoses.
- Seal and insulate your attic and replace any drafty windows and doors.
- Use protective plastic covering over your windows in colder areas of your home.
Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?
Frozen pipes don't always burst, but it's important to do what you can to prevent that from happening in the first place. When ice starts to thaw inside the pipe, the risk of bursting increases due to all the unreleased pressure in the pipe. Our highly qualified team of local service professionals can assist with thawing your frozen pipes to ensure they don’t burst during the process.
Can Pipes Be Replaced While Frozen?
Replacing frozen pipes before they are thawed is possible, but it’s not always the best solution for the problem. Letting the ice thaw and turning on the water supply allows our service professionals to inspect all the water supply lines for leaks and cracks.
Contact Us for Frozen Water Pipe Repair Service Today
Homeowners must take all the necessary steps to protect their pipes and residential plumbing systems before the cold weather starts. If you suspect you're dealing with a frozen pipe or want our help ensuring your home is properly prepped, you can count on the service professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs. We understand the importance of intervening quickly when your pipes are frozen so you can have peace of mind we'll be there as soon as possible to get your household back to its regular routine. Our industry-trusted techniques, rigorous training, and state-of-the-art equipment will help you avoid a winter disaster at your home in Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding areas, including Pueblo and Fountain. Contact us today to learn more and request an estimate for residential frozen pipe repair services.
Frozen Pipes Repair FAQ
Can You Repair a Burst Pipe?
Our professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs offer residential frozen pipe repair services. The complexity and time required for the repair depend on the severity and location of the burst. Small leaks can often be fixed quickly by a professional plumber, while larger breaks may require significant work, including replacing pipe sections.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze or Burst?
Pipes can freeze or burst due to several factors. The most common cause is the exposure of pipes to freezing temperatures without proper insulation. Water inside the pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to crack or burst. Other factors include aging pipes, corrosion, physical damage, and high water pressure.
What Are the Signs of a Pipe Freeze?
Realizing the signs of frozen pipes early can prevent severe damage. For expert guidance and frozen pipe burst repair services, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs. Here are the following signs to look out for when it comes to frozen pipes:
Early Indicators of Frozen Pipes
A noticeable reduction or complete halt in water flow is a primary indicator of a frozen pipe. If you experience little to no water from your faucet, this is likely a sign of freezing.
Visible Frost on Pipes
Another clear sign of a frozen pipe is the presence of frost on any exposed pipes, particularly those in colder or unmonitored areas of your home, such as garages or basements.
Unusual Odors from Drains or Faucets
Should there be an unusual odor emanating from your drains or faucets, this could suggest that a pipe is frozen, obstructing the normal flow and causing smells to backtrack into your home.
How Long Does a Burst Water Pipe Take to Fix?
The time it takes to fix a burst water pipe can vary significantly, depending on the damage's extent and the repair's complexity. Minor repairs might be completed in a few hours, while more extensive damage requiring pipe replacement can take days. It's essential to consult with a professional plumber for an accurate estimate.
What Should I Expect During Burst Pipe Repair?
During burst pipe repair, one of our experts can first shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. They will then assess the damage and determine the best course of action, whether repairing or replacing the burst section. The process might involve cutting into walls or floors to access the pipe, followed by repair or replacement work and testing to ensure the issue is resolved.
What Happens if My Pipe Bursts?
If your pipe bursts, acting quickly to minimize water damage is crucial. Immediately turn off the main water supply to your home to stop the water flow. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs to repair the burst pipe as soon as possible. In the meantime, remove any standing water and move valuables away from the affected area to prevent further damage.