Close Menu
    Technology

    Frozen Pipes And How To Recover From Them?

    JamesBy No Comments4 Mins Read

    Spokane has a beautiful winter, complete with snowy landscapes. The air is crisp and cold. But the sudden drop in temperature may also cause a common, yet potentially harmful household issue: frozen pipe. To avoid expensive repairs and extensive water damage, it’s important to know the signs and recover from frozen pipes as soon as possible. You will discover how to recognize frozen pipes and how to fix them in this post. You will also discover the importance of a professional water restoration company in Spokane.

    Identifying the signs of frozen pipes

    Frozen pipe damage can be significant if it is not addressed immediately. Here are some of the most important signs to be aware of:

    • Low Water Flow or No Water: This is the first sign of a frosted pipe. This is because the water within the pipe has frozen into ice and stopped the water from flowing.
    • Pipe Frost: If you see visible frost on your pipes, it is likely that the water within has frozen. This can be a problem if they are in an unheated area like a basement, attic, or exterior wall.
    • Strange odors: A pipe partially blocked by an ice blockage may emit a strange odor. This occurs when water tries escaping through other openings within the plumbing system.
    • Bloated Pipes: Frozen Water expands which can lead to pipes bulging. If you notice sections of pipe that appear swollen or misshaped, then it is likely that they are frozen.
    • Gulping Sounds: You might sometimes hear gurgling when you turn your tap on. It could mean that the water is flowing irregularly because ice is partially blocking your pipe.

    Frozen Pipes? Here’s How To Recover

    If you see signs of frozen pipes it is vital to act quickly in order to avoid further damage. Here’s how you can prevent further damage.

    1. Cut off the Water Supply: Turning off the water supply is the first step to defrosting the pipes. This prevents the pipe from being flooded with water when the ice starts to melt.
    2. Opening Faucets: Unlock the faucets connected to the frozen pipe. This relieves pressure in the system. Once the ice has begun to melt, water can flow.
    3. Apply Heating: Slowly apply warmth to the frozen area of the pipes using a hot towel, heating pad, or hairdryer. Work backward from the faucet to the frozen section. You should never use a heat source or an open flame. They can damage the pipes and even cause a fire.
    4. Check For Leaks: While the Ice Melts, Check The Pipe For Any Cracks Or Leaks. If you see any, immediately turn off the supply of water and contact a licensed plumber.
    5. Check for Additional Frosting: Check other areas in your home, particularly where insulation is poor and the temperature is lower.

    Preventing Future Frozen Pipes

    Avoid the headache and expense associated with dealing with frozen pipes by taking precautionary measures.

    1. Insulate Pipes: Use heat tape, pipe insulation, or other materials to insulate pipes located in unheated places. 
    2. Seal the Gaps: Seal up any gaps, cracks, or holes in your exterior walls and foundation so that cold air cannot reach your pipes.
    3. Drip Faucets: During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly. Moving water will freeze less.

    Professional Water Damage Restoration Spokane: What is it?

    Freezing pipes might result in water damage. If this happens, you need to call a professional right away. Water damage restoration is necessary to mitigate water intrusion effects, prevent mold, and restore the home to pre-damage conditions. Here’s how professional help can be provided:

    1. Urgent Response: Restoration companies offer emergency services 24/7, so they can respond quickly to water damage.
    2. Extracting Standing Water and Drying: Using modern equipment, professionals extract standing water to dry the affected area thoroughly and prevent further damage and mold growth.
    3. mold remediation: If mold has started to grow, restoration professionals can perform mold mitigation to eliminate the mold spores.

    Conclusion

    The integrity of Spokane homes is dependent on the ability to detect and repair frozen pipes. Know the signs of a frozen pipe and act immediately to minimize damage. It is vital to get the help of an expert water damage restoration service in Spokane if you have a burst or leaking pipe. This will ensure that your home recovers quickly and with minimal damage. You can protect your home by being vigilant and proactive in the face of freezing temperatures.

    Share.