Winters in Ohio can be detrimental to your plumbing. Taking steps to prevent frozen pipes in Akron and the surrounding communities is the best way to preserve your plumbing through the frigid temperatures. However, even with preparation, it’s possible that winter’s frost reaches your piping system.
Are My Pipes Frozen?
There are different ways to tell if your pipes are frozen. Some of the warning signs of frozen pipes include:
Frost: It’s possible for frost to show on exposed pipes in crawl spaces and beneath your cabinets.
No water: If water only drips from the faucet when you turn it on, the connecting water pipe may be frozen.
Sewage smell: Sewage gases escape through your drain when water freezes in your pipes.
Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing include those along your exterior walls. These pipes may lack the insulation needed to protect them from freezing temperatures and are the closest to the outdoor elements. Pipes located in your attic or basement are also at extreme risk of freezing. They are often blocked from your home’s heat and may not be properly insulated.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you discover a frozen pipe that hasn’t burst, you may be able to fix it yourself without calling in the pros. However, if the pipes has cracked, call a plumber to make the repair. Use these repair methods to thaw frozen pipes:
Use an infrared lamp. The heat from an infrared lamp directs heat through the wall to warm the pipe and release the water.
Trap heat with a cookie sheet. Place a baking sheet behind the exposed pipe and set a heat lamp on the other side. The heat reflects off the baking sheet, thawing the pipe more quickly.
Turn up the heat. If the frozen pipe is behind a wall and hasn’t burst, crank up your heat.
Use a hair dryer. If the frozen pipe is exposed, a hair dryer can help warm the pipe’s surface.
Frozen pipes should be handled immediately so further damage doesn’t occur. If you suspect a portion of your plumbing is frozen, call C. Lee Services to come in immediately to inspect your pipes.
