Preventing and Fixing Freezing Hot Water Pipes at Home

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it's crucial to take precautions to prevent your hot water pipes from freezing.

Water expands when it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst.

You can prevent this by insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas like the garage or basement.

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage and disrupt your daily routine.

Insulating pipes can help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent freezing.

A frozen pipe can burst and cause a flood, which can lead to costly repairs and potentially damage your home's structure.

Insulating pipes is a crucial step in preventing freezing. Keep pipes in cold areas wrapped with pipe insulation, and consider using electrical heat tape if an outlet is nearby.

Sealing cracks and holes in your exterior walls is also essential. Check your crawlspaces and external walls for holes and repair them to minimize exposure to cold air. Use wind barriers or faucet covers to protect faucets and valves on the exterior of the house.

A simple trick to prevent freezing is to leave a trickle of water running during blizzards. This makes it much more difficult for pipes to freeze since the water will usually travel through the pipe before it has time to freeze.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Locating the source of a frozen pipe can be a challenge, but knowing where to start can make all the difference.

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, start by testing your faucets. If water runs through all your faucets except one, the dysfunctional faucet is likely the location of the frozen pipe.

Leaving all working faucets open slightly can help prevent further freezing and even melt the ice. This trick can save you from a bigger mess down the line.

If you have no water in a large area of your house, check the exterior walls first. These areas are more prone to cold temperatures and are the most likely location for frozen pipes.

Don't forget to check for cracks and leaks in the pipes. Freezing water can cause pipes to crack or split, so if you find an active leak, you've likely found the frozen pipe.

To confirm which section of the pipe is frozen, try feeling or tapping exposed pipes. This can help you locate the frozen water.

Keep your heating system running, even if you leave for a period of time, to provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm.

Locate pipes at risk of freezing and add insulation to them. High-risk zones include the garage, crawl space, attic, unfinished basement, and other unheated or poorly insulated areas indoors.

Disconnect garden hoses and drain your sprinkler system to prevent water from freezing and expanding in outdoor plumbing.

Seal cracks and other holes in your exterior walls to prevent drafts from chilling the pipes in your walls.

Opening the cabinet doors below kitchen and bathroom sinks can help heated air reach the pipes inside.

Turn your faucets on just enough to slowly drip to reduce pressure in the pipes and prevent rupture.

Leave a trickle of water running during blizzards to make it more difficult for pipes to freeze.

Here's a summary of the steps to prevent pipes from freezing:

If there's no rush, you can simply shut off the main water supply and wait for the pipes to thaw on their own as the weather warms up.

To thaw a frozen pipe, you'll need to locate it first. If you turn a faucet on and nothing comes out, it means at least one of your supply pipes is frozen shut. Turn the water main off to take the pressure off of the frozen pipe.

Running water is much less likely to freeze than standing water, so open the faucet attached to the frozen pipe and nearby working faucets to a trickle. This will help thaw the ice over the course of an hour or two.

There are several ways to thaw a frozen pipe, but the safest is probably wrapping the troubled area in thermostatically controlled heat tape.

If the pipe is exposed, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun to slowly thaw the pipe. Keep it moving and don't place the dryer directly against the pipe, as uneven or sudden heating can rupture the pipe.

You can also wrap hot towels around the frozen section of pipe to thaw it quickly. Soak the towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them securely around the pipe. Replace with freshly soaked, hot towels every 5-10 minutes until the pipe thaws.

Here are some safe ways to apply heat to thaw a frozen pipe:

Protecting your pipes from freezing temperatures is a top priority, and insulation is a key part of that process. Wrap pipes with pipe-insulating materials, which are available at home centers, hardware, and plumbing supply stores, or use insulation to keep them warm.

Pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and garages, are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Be sure to protect all pipes in these areas to prevent damage.

Sealing leaks is also crucial to preventing pipe freezing. Look for and seal cold air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes using caulking to keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Here are some reasons why insulation and sealing are so important:

Insulating your pipes is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent water damage and the hassle that comes with it. According to esurance, water damage claims are the second most frequently filed in the U.S., averaging $10,000 for residential properties.

You might be wondering why it's worth taking the time to insulate your pipes. Here are some compelling reasons:

By insulating your pipes, you can prevent these costly and inconvenient problems and keep your home and belongings safe.

High winds can freeze a nearby pipe through a small opening, so patch any cracks and holes in doors, windows, and walls near pipes.

Don't block the air vents that your furnace needs for proper operation when patching these openings.

Seal cold air leaks around electrical wiring and pipes with caulking to keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze during severe cold.

You can use a warm towel or rag to thaw a frozen pipe. Pour hot water over the cloth to make it warm.

This method works by applying heat directly to the pipe, which helps to melt the ice. Repeat the process several times until the pipe is not frozen.

It's a simple and safe way to thaw a frozen pipe, especially when you don't have access to more advanced tools.

Circulate warm air to all areas of your home with pipes by opening interior doors and cupboards.

Pipes built within an outside wall are at risk of freezing, especially when the wind-chill factor is well below zero and heat is not circulating through these areas.

Never shut off your heat if you're leaving your home for an extended period, as this can cause pipes in walls and in the basement to freeze and burst.

Lowering the thermostat is a better option, as it will still allow some heat to circulate through the pipes.

Open the faucet a small amount on extremely cold nights to help thaw frozen pipes, starting by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible and working towards the coldest section.

ARS/Rescue Rooter Repair Service is a trusted option for frozen pipe repair. Since 1975, they've been a leader in residential and commercial plumbing services.

ARS/Rescue Rooter is available for emergency plumbing service 7 days a week. You can find your nearest location and schedule service with their trained plumbers.

If your pipe bursts or won't thaw, don't hesitate to call in a professional plumber. They can expedite thawing or replace pipes that have burst.

ARS/Rescue Rooter plumbers can also insulate pipes and strategize how to prevent future issues when temperatures drop.

Winterizing your home or cabin is crucial to prevent frozen water pipes, especially if you're going to be away for an extended time. Drain the water from your pipes by turning off the main shutoff valve at the street, and have your water utility company do it for you if needed.

Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and open these faucets to drain them. This simple step can prevent water from freezing in the hoses and causing damage to your pipes.

Drain the water heater by turning off the pilot light on gas water heaters and the electricity to electric water heaters. This will prevent the water in the heater from freezing and bursting the tank.

Use an air compressor to blow any trapped water from the water pipes. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a contractor to help.

Open all faucets and leave them open to prevent condensation from freezing and bursting the water lines. This is an important step to take before you leave your home or cabin.

Here's a checklist to help you winterize your home or cabin: