Frozen and Burst Pipes
You put considerable effort into winterizing your home and your vehicle from frigid temperatures, yet many people forget to protect the pipes and plumbing systems on their very own properties from extreme winter temperatures. Poorly insulated and older pipes that are exposed to frigid temperatures but very little heat from any warm air circulation that surrounds them are particularly vulnerable to bursting in sub-zero weather. Don’t wait until your pipes freeze and burst to find out that a plumbing inspection or upgrade was required. Contact the Pierce City plumbing experts at Alan's Plumbing 10:3 for year round plumbing safety and ultimate peace of mind.
Our licensed plumber provides:
- Burst Pipe Repairs
- Pipe Replacement
- Frozen Pipe Thawing
- 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Services in Pierce City
- Water Line repairs
- Toilet Repair
- Water Heater Tank Repairs
- Freezing Pipes Inspection and free estimate
How and Why Pipes Freeze and Burst
Pipes are prone to freezing when the water they hold is continuously exposed to freezing temperatures causing it to eventually solidify into ice. Even just small amounts of water flowing through a pipe makes it more difficult for water to reach the freezing point t however, but when the winter weather hits hard and temperatures remain consistently low, pipes will freeze rather quickly, especially those that are exposed to the cold, poorly insulated and low to the ground. Since water expands when it solidifies, the newly formed ice must lengthen along the inside of the pipe to accommodate the expansion. If the expanding ice hits an obstacle or curve in the pipe, pressure inevitable builds and pipes burst.
Bursting pies and ensuing and water damage is an actual reality during winter. Basement pipes and those connected to pools, water lines, storage areas, attics and basements are particularly vulnerable. Alan's Plumbing 10:3’s qualified technicians offer helpful recommendations for safely thawing frozen pipes and are available to respond to any emergency plumbing problem in the Pierce City region.
Tips To Prevent Pipes from Freezing
- Drain your pool or hot tub
- Disconnect Sprinkler Systems
- Turn off inside water valves connected to an outside water supply
- Ensure that your property is sufficiently heated during a cold snap
- Allow both cold and hot water to drip slightly from both kitchen and bathroom faucets during an especially cold snap
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks that house pipes to improve warm air circulation and inhibit freezing
- Weather strip windows in basements and the colder areas of your property
- Apply specialty “heat tape” to older, exposed pipes for added insulation. Consult our Pierce City plumbers for assistance and more information
Are Your Pipes Already Frozen?
Take precautions whenever temperatures dip below freezing and remain there. If you pipes are already frozen follow these steps and contact the certified Pierce City plumbers at Alan's Plumbing 10:3 for further assistance
- Cut off the main water valve
- Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe to relive any built up pressure
- Gently apply warm air flow to the area using a hair dryer, electric heat tape or portable space heater