Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing problem in winters. In cold temperature water freezes in pipes. Water has a unique property to expand when it freezes. It puts tremendous pressure on pipes that can rupture them and causes water leakage.
Pipes which are located in unheated interior areas, outside the walls, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines tend to freeze more frequently. Pipes with no insulation can also freeze in extremely cold temperature.
Low water flow in your faucets and frost on exposed pipes are signs that your pipes are frozen. It can hamper your daily routine task such as taking shower, rinsing dishes, cooking etc. So you need to take an immediate action to deal with these problems. Follow these steps for thawing the frozen pipes:
1. Locate the frozen area in the pipe by physical measures and shut off the main water line.
2. Open the faucets to help melting ice water to flow through them easily.
3. Apply heat to the frozen section of pipes by using electric hair dryer, portable space heater, infrared or heat lamp and electric heating pad. Do not use open flame device directly on pipes.
4. Check all other faucets and frozen areas in your plumbing system. If you are unable to find such defaults in your plumbing system, take the help of experienced plumbers.
Frozen pipe can be an inconvenient situation for you. Always shut down the main water supply of your place to avoid freezing when you are on vacations, or when your houses are empty. Close all the hose pipes that opens in outer areas to avoid freezing. To avoid this plumbing hassle, you need to insulate pipes and take proper care of you plumbing system.