Frozen pipes are a major concern in the Minneapolis area due to how cold it can get during the winter. Even when your heating is on and your house is fully warm, certain pipes can still get so cold that the water inside them freezes. Exposed pipes in the basement or crawl space and pipes that run within exterior walls usually have the highest chance of freezing. The reason that frozen pipes are such a concern is that they can burst or break. As water freezes and turns into ice, it expands. This expansion can exert enough pressure on the pipe that it splits open. Once the ice starts to melt, water will start rushing out of the pipe and potentially cause significant flooding and costly water damage. The risk of damage is why it's crucial that you know how to spot the signs of a frozen pipe and what steps you should take if any of your pipes ever freeze.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
The most obvious sign that a pipe is frozen is if you turn on a faucet or shower and no water comes out. If the water pressure at one fixture is suddenly much lower and only a little water comes out, it can indicate that a pipe has started to freeze. The same is true if the water is suddenly much colder than normal. If an exposed pipe freezes, you'll usually start to see frost forming on it fairly quickly. If a pipe is partially frozen, it may also make a knocking or banging sound when water flows through it. Another thing to watch for is a gurgling sound coming from a faucet or showerhead, or air bubbling up out of a toilet. This type of issue happens as a result of ice causing air to get trapped in the pipe, leading to the air bubbles flowing back out through the fixture.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If the water doesn’t flow when you turn on a faucet or shower, you should immediately shut off your home's water by closing the valve on the main water line. This is a crucial step for minimizing flooding and water damage if the pipe bursts. Even if the water is off, the pipe will still start leaking once it begins to thaw, since all of the pipes remain full of water. If you don't shut the water off, the pipe can release dozens of gallons of water in a short time.
If you can locate the frozen pipe, the next step is to start carefully thawing it out with a hair dryer or a space heater. Make sure to keep the space heater a safe distance from the pipe, and never leave it unattended. You should never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame due to the risk of damaging it and causing a leak. You should also never try to thaw a pipe quickly, as the temperature difference can cause a thermal shock that leads to a pipe burst. If you can't locate the pipe, you should immediately call a plumber to have them assess the situation. An experienced plumber will be able to quickly determine which pipe is frozen and then take the necessary steps to thaw it out. They'll also inspect for damage to make sure that there's no risk of the pipe starting to leak, and perform plumbing repairs if necessary.
If you notice any signs that indicate a pipe has started to freeze, there are a few steps you can take to lessen the chances of it freezing completely. The first thing to do is turn on the affected fixture so that water starts flowing through the partially frozen pipe. As long as water flows through the pipe, it's highly unlikely to freeze. The water also helps to quickly melt the ice within the pipe.
The next step is to start trying to increase the temperature in the area around the pipe. For a sink, the best way to do this is to open the cabinet doors under the sink and then use a space heater or a fan to start circulating warm air throughout the cabinet.
Leaving a trickle of water running and opening the cabinet doors is also an effective method for preventing pipes from freezing during a cold snap. Most experts recommend taking these steps any time the temperature drops to 20 degrees or below.
If you're dealing with frozen pipes or need any other assistance from an experienced plumber, AMi Home Services is the place to turn. We've been serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities for 40 years and have a reputation as one of the area's top plumbing services. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work and are available 24/7 to promptly handle any emergencies. To schedule service for your home or business, contact us today.