Even inside plumbing can freeze when under freezing temperatures. When the temperature drops, you are prone to pipes freezing or breaking.

Bursting pipes in the winter have become one of the most frequent causes of property damage and can cause thousands of damage.

The worst prone pipe can be found in a warm interior space like a basement, atrium or garage.

As the weather gets colder, it's important to take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Here are a few tips for preventing your pipes from freezing this winter.

How do pipes freeze?

Water expands as it freezes, which exerts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it—including your pipes.

That’s why frozen pipes are such a big problem; when the water inside them freezes, it can cause the pipes to burst.

And once the water starts flowing out of a burst pipe, it can do a lot of damage very quickly.

Knowing how pipes freeze can help you take steps to prevent it from happening in your home or business.

Pipe freezing mostly occurs when the outside temperature suddenly drops, causing the water inside the pipes to cool down quickly.

If there is any moisture inside the pipes (from condensation, for example), that water will start to freeze.

Once one section of a pipe freezes, it provides a “ nucleation site ” for more ice to form. And as more ice builds up, it puts pressure on the pipe walls, causing them to crack and/or burst.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes?

If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, this is a good indicator that your pipes may be frozen.

If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, there are a few things you can do to thaw them.

1. First, you'll want to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. This will help prevent any further damage if the pipe does burst.
2. Next, open up the faucet so that steam can escape as the pipes begin to thaw. You can then use a hair dryer, space heater, or heat lamp to thaw the frozen area of the pipe. Be sure not to use any type of open flame as this could cause the pipe to burst.
3. Once the water is flowing again, turn on your main shut-off valve and check for any leaks in the system.

If you find any leaks, be sure to contact a professional plumber right away as this could indicate more serious damage.

How can I prevent frozen pipes?

There are a few simple things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.

1. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night. A sudden drop in temperature can cause your pipes to freeze.
2. Let cold water drip from your faucets during cold weather. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water.
3. If you're going away for an extended period of time, have someone check on your home to make sure the heat is still on and there's no water leaking from your pipes
4. Keep your garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
5. Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to let warm air circulate around the plumbing.
6. Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to help keep them warm and prevent frozen pipes.
7. Use electric heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables to wrap around exposed pipe work.
8. Know where your main shut-off valve is located so you can turn off the water quickly if a pipe does freeze and burst.
9. Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame or torch as this could start a fire in your home. Instead, use hot towels or a hair dryer on a low setting to thaw the pipe gradually.
10. If you suspect a frozen pipe, shut off the water at the main shut-off valve immediately and call a plumber for assistance.

Don't wait for your frozen pipes to burst or to cause serious damage. Check out our commercial plumbing service

Hire Somerville Plumbing to Fix Your Frozen Pipes

If you've tried to thaw your pipes but they continue to freeze or if you have a burst pipe, it's time to call in the professionals.

Our team of experienced plumbers at Somerville Plumbing can help you repair or replace any damaged pipes.

We'll also take steps to prevent future freezing so you can rest assured your pipes will be safe all winter long.

Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. We're always happy to answer any questions you may have about your home's plumbing.

Conclusion

By taking some simple precautions, you can prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.

Be sure to keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day, let the cold water drip from faucets, and open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms.

You should also add insulation, use electric heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables, know where your main shut-off valve is located, and never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.

Following these tips will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your plumbing system functioning properly all winter long.