Frozen pipes can create serious plumbing problems during a Michigan winter. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. As a result, the pressure can crack or burst the pipe.
A burst pipe can cause flooding, water damage, drywall damage, flooring damage, and expensive repairs. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to reduce the risk before cold weather arrives.
At Triton Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Oakland and Macomb County prepare for winter plumbing issues. Here is what you should know about frozen pipes, how to prevent them, and what to do if a pipe freezes.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Problem
Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience. They can stop water flow to sinks, showers, toilets, appliances, and other fixtures.
Even worse, a frozen pipe can burst after pressure builds inside the line. Sometimes, homeowners do not notice the damage until the pipe thaws and water starts leaking.
Because of this, frozen pipes need quick attention. If you suspect a pipe has frozen inside a wall, ceiling, crawl space, or basement, call a plumber before the situation gets worse.
Where Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze
Some areas of the home have a higher risk of frozen pipes. These areas often have less insulation or more exposure to cold air.
- Exterior walls
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Attics
- Unheated utility rooms
- Cabinets under sinks on outside walls
- Outdoor hose bibs and water lines
- Sprinkler lines and pool plumbing
If a pipe runs through one of these areas, give it extra attention before temperatures drop.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them before they happen. These winter plumbing tips can help protect your home.
Drain Outdoor and Seasonal Water Lines
Before freezing weather arrives, drain water from pipes that face cold exposure. This may include swimming pool lines, sprinkler lines, outdoor faucets, and other exterior plumbing.
When water stays inside these lines, it can freeze and expand. Therefore, winterizing outdoor plumbing is an important step.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets before winter. Then, drain the hoses and store them away.
If your home has an indoor shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it. After that, open the outside faucet to drain remaining water.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
On the coldest nights, allow vulnerable faucets to drip slowly. Moving water has a lower chance of freezing inside the pipe.
This step can help when pipes run along exterior walls or through colder parts of the home. However, it should not replace proper insulation or repairs when a pipe has an ongoing freeze risk.
Keep the Thermostat Consistent
Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature during freezing weather. Also, avoid dropping the temperature too low overnight.
If you leave home during winter, keep the heat on. As a general rule, do not let the indoor temperature fall below 55 degrees.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks can freeze when they sit against exterior walls. Opening cabinet doors helps warm air reach the plumbing.
This is a simple step, but it can make a difference during extreme cold.
Seal Drafts Around Windows, Doors, and Utility Openings
Cold air can enter through gaps around windows, doors, sill plates, and utility penetrations. These drafts can lower the temperature around nearby plumbing.
Seal obvious gaps where cold air enters. In addition, check areas near hose bibs, pipe openings, crawl spaces, and basement walls.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipe insulation can help protect plumbing in cold areas. Foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, and other insulation options may reduce freeze risk when installed correctly.
If a pipe freezes often, insulation may not be enough by itself. In that case, a plumber can help identify why the pipe is exposed to cold air.
What to Do If You Think a Pipe Is Frozen
If water stops flowing from a faucet during freezing weather, a frozen pipe may be the cause. Take action quickly, but avoid unsafe methods.
Keep the Faucet Open
First, open the affected faucet. This gives water and steam a place to escape as the pipe thaws.
As the ice begins to melt, water flow may slowly return. Keep the faucet open until full pressure comes back.
Check Other Faucets
If one pipe freezes, another may freeze too. Check nearby faucets and fixtures throughout the home.
This is especially important for fixtures near exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Warm the Area Safely
If you can reach the frozen section, warm it slowly and safely. You can use a hair dryer, warm towels, or a heating pad.
Start near the faucet and work back toward the frozen area. This helps melted water move out of the pipe.
Never Use an Open Flame
Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater, kerosene heater, charcoal device, or open flame to thaw a pipe. These methods can cause fires, burns, carbon monoxide hazards, or pipe damage.
They are not worth the risk. Instead, use safe heat or call a plumber.
Call a Plumber for Pipes Inside Walls
If you believe a frozen pipe sits inside a wall, ceiling, or hidden area, call a professional. A plumber can help locate the issue and reduce the risk of damage.
In some cases, the wall may need to be opened from the inside to let warm air reach the pipe. A plumber can also check for leaks once the line thaws.
What to Do If a Frozen Pipe Bursts
If a pipe bursts, act fast. First, shut off the main water supply to the home. Then, open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.
Next, move valuables away from the leak if it is safe. Use towels, buckets, or a wet vacuum to limit water damage while you wait for help.
After that, call a plumber for emergency repair. Do not turn the water back on until the damaged pipe has been fixed.
Signs a Pipe May Have Frozen or Burst
Frozen pipes are not always obvious at first. Watch for these warning signs during cold weather:
- No water or very low water flow from a faucet
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Strange smells from drains or faucets
- Bulging, cracked, or split pipe sections
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Damp flooring, carpet, or cabinets
- The sound of running water when fixtures are off
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait. The sooner you respond, the better chance you have of limiting damage.
How Triton Plumbing Can Help With Frozen Pipes
Triton Plumbing helps homeowners throughout Oakland and Macomb County with winter plumbing issues, frozen pipes, burst pipes, leaks, valves, and general plumbing repairs.
Our team can inspect the affected area, repair damaged piping, check for leaks, and recommend ways to reduce future freeze risk. In addition, we can help with shut-off valves, exposed piping, and other winter plumbing concerns.
Schedule Frozen Pipe Service in Oakland or Macomb County
Frozen pipes can become serious fast. Therefore, it is important to act early when water flow stops or a pipe may have frozen.
Call Triton Plumbing at (248) 520-0322 or schedule service online for frozen pipe service in Oakland and Macomb County, MI.