Winter can be a thrilling time of year with a snow-covered landscape for sledding, snowball fights, and holiday fun with your family. While building a snowman or decorating your home with garlands and a Christmas tree, the last thing you want are frozen pipes ruining your seasonal traditions. Winter weather and temperatures frequently result in plumbing issues if you don’t take certain measures to prevent frozen pipes or care for them correctly. Simple home and plumbing maintenance can successfully prepare it for freezing nights and icy daylight hours. If your home experiences issues like frozen pipes in Council Bluffs, Bennington, or Omaha, NE, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha is available to resolve your domestic disasters with residential frozen pipe repair service. We have a team of licensed and experienced plumbing experts who know the damage frozen pipes can inflict on your home and minimize your worries by performing quick and efficient repair work.
Why Is Frozen Pipe Repair Important?
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha advises homeowners to contact our plumbers for professional solutions for their frozen pipes as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If a frozen pipe in your basement, crawlspace, or anywhere else bursts, it can lead to a devastating disaster that’s costly to resolve. For instance, a pipe that bursts in a home pours out four to eight gallons of water each minute, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage around your home. A burst pipe can occur when the water inside your pipe gets several degrees colder than the freezing point, and ice forms. This freezing incident results in pressure building up over 3000 psi, and this pressure can split your pipe and cause water damage after the water in your pipe thaws. Forgetting or deciding not to prepare your pipes for winter’s colder temperatures can destroy your plumbing, and failing to schedule repairs when a frozen pipe burst can ruin your home and holidays.
How Do I Prevent Frozen Pipes?
You can take many actions to keep pipes from freezing in your home, and Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha can provide a wide array of effective techniques. Carrying out these measures won’t take long to complete, and they keep your home’s plumbing safer from the frigid weather. Protecting your pipes can prevent catastrophic property damage, ruined keepsakes, and the substantial costs accompanying necessary repairs or replacements. The following tips to prepare your plumbing and prevent frozen pipes are simple and have proven successful:
- Open a faucet to let a very small amount of cold water run. This step keeps water moving in your pipes and prevents them from freezing
- Ensure warm air circulates around your pipes. For instance, you can open the door to your under-sink cabinet to let warm air into the space.
- 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 pipe insulation materials to insulate your exposed or external pipes.
- Before winter starts, drain all water out of your sprinkler system. You should also disconnect and drain your outdoor water spigots and outdoor hoses.
- Seal and insulate your attic and replace drafty windows and doors.
- Use protective plastic covering over your windows in colder areas, and consider installing storm windows.
Contact Us for Service in Omaha
Don't leave your home's pipes vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Before winter weather and shivering temperatures move in, you can carry out several steps to safeguard your home’s plumbing against freezing and prevent catastrophic damage. If you find out one of your home’s pipes freezes, take action immediately by contacting Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha to get prompt plumbing solutions. We respond as soon as possible and perform quick and effective repairs on your busted frozen pipe. Our talented plumbing technicians have ample training, expertise, and top-notch equipment to help you prevent a winter disaster in your home. Contact us today to request an estimate on residential frozen pipe repair service and schedule a visit to your home.
How Can I Tell If My Pipes Are Frozen?
There are a few signs to look out for to determine if your home's pipes are frozen. If you need assistance with addressing the situation, feel free to contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha:
The most common sign is a limited amount or complete stop in water flow from faucets. When you turn on a tap, and only a trickle emerges, it might indicate a frozen pipe.
If you notice frost on your exposed pipes, especially those located outside or in unheated areas, this is a clear sign of freezing.
Odd smells from your faucet or drain could mean the pipe is blocked with ice, causing the odor to back up.
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes?
First, you can insulate your pipes, particularly those in unheated areas like your basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Secondly, keep your home heated, even when you're away. You should never let your home's temperature drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Thirdly, let your faucets drip slightly. Running water, even at a trickle, can help prevent pipes from freezing. Lastly, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate the plumbing. These steps can help keep your pipes from freezing and avoid any potential damage.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
There are several reasons why pipes may burst. The amount of water pressure flowing through can cause them to break, while frozen water can also cause them to expand and become damaged. Age and corrosion are other reasons pipes can burst, causing a mess on your property.
How Do I Prevent The Pipes Leading To My House From Freezing?
Preventing the pipes leading to your house from freezing follows the same principles as protecting indoor pipes. First and foremost, proper insulation is crucial. Heat tape, pipe sleeves, or newspaper can insulate exposed outdoor pipes. Additionally, seal any cracks or openings where cold air could seep in and reach the pipes. Secondly, consider installing a heating cable along the pipe, which can be plugged in when temperatures drop to keep the pipe warm. Always remember to unplug and store the cable properly when not in use. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecasts during the winter months and take additional precautions when needed, like disconnecting your garden hose. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of your outdoor pipes freezing.
Why Is Frozen Pipe Repair Important?
If a frozen pipe bursts and is left unaddressed, it may require an expensive pipe replacement. Therefore, hiring Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha for frozen pipe repair not only protects your home but also ensures the efficiency of your plumbing system and reduces potential costs. This service is crucial for several reasons:
It prevents potential water damage to your home. A pipe burst can cause significant flooding, leading to structural damage and mold growth.
It ensures the continuity of your home's water supply. Frozen pipes can restrict or completely block water flow, affecting daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Repairs performed in the right amount of time help avoid costly replacements.
Will Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own?
While it's technically possible for frozen pipes to thaw on their own as temperatures rise, relying on this method is risky and not recommended. The gradual increase in temperature can cause the frozen water to expand, increasing the pressure inside the pipe and potentially leading to a burst. Professional help from experts like us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Omaha should be sought if you're unsure how to thaw your pipes safely or if the pipes are not easily accessible.
At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes are generally at risk of freezing when the surrounding temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this can vary based on the pipe's location, insulation, and exposure to wind chill. Most pipes tend to burst when they reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, it's essential to take preventative measures when freezing temperatures are forecasted, even if the temperature is slightly above this threshold.