Should I Turn Off the Water if My Pipes Are Frozen

5 min read

It’s that time of year again when winter weather delivers frightful chills and a flurry of snowflakes. While many people enjoy the winter season and the festive holidays that come with it, property owners have the added responsibility of dealing with the risk of frozen pipes.

Knowing what to do in this situation is paramount to avoid costly water damage and plumbing issues for the rest of the cold winter months. If your property is at risk of frozen pipes, here’s what you should know and the proper steps to navigate and prevent costly repairs.

Why Do Frozen Pipes Occur?

To adequately address the question: “Should I turn off the water if my pipes are frozen?”, it’s essential to understand why frozen pipes occur in the first place. When temperatures reach very low levels, it can affect the water in your lines. As water freezes, it expands, resulting in additional pressure on your pipes, which can cause them to burst.

Pipes in certain areas of your property are more prone to freezing. The pipes in your basement, crawlspace, and garage are susceptible to freezing because these areas are typically unheated. Those inside the outer walls of your property are also vulnerable to low temperatures, especially if some gaps or holes expose your pipes to the cold. Outdoor plumbing fixtures are also more prone to freezing, especially without proper winter preparation or insulation.

What Happens If I Have Frozen Pipes?

You may experience several plumbing issues during winter. Frozen pipes can result in a lack of running water that can affect some or all parts of your property. It can exert excessive pressure on your pipes, which can eventually burst. This can cause flooding, which, in turn, can lead to various types of water damage that can lead to structural damage or mold growth.

Cape Cod experiences some snowfall during the winter, which is why winter preparations for residential and commercial properties are recommended. As early as mid-fall, it’s wise to start preparing your property, including your plumbing, for the cold months ahead.

What To Do in Case of Frozen Pipes

Should you turn off the water if my pipes are frozen? Yes, this can help prevent further freezing or water damage. If your pipes show signs of freezing up, turning off the main water supply can prevent additional pressure in the affected area.

Additionally, here are a few more steps you can take to deal with frozen pipes:

Opening Your Indoor Faucets

We know we just said that turning off the main water supply helps, so why are we recommending opening faucets? Some people may opt to let their faucets drip during low temperatures so the water constantly flows and doesn’t freeze. Unfortunately, in freezing weather, even slow-moving water can freeze up.

However, opening your faucets and closing your main water valve can be combined to ease pressure. Open faucets can reduce pressure buildup and prevent burst pipes as the water expands.

Warming the Frozen Areas

Check your garage or basement to find the affected frozen area. A space heater, hair dryer, or hot water on frozen pipes can gradually warm the section. Avoid using open flame sources like blowtorches or propane heaters, as this could be a fire hazard. Invest in space heaters for these areas, especially when the temperatures are lower than usual.

Check for Signs of Leaks and Damage

If you’ve solved the frozen pipe issue, check for signs of leaking or damage. Contact a professional plumber for further assistance. If you’re unsure about handling a frozen pipe, you may also contact them to fix your frozen pipes.

How To Avoid Frozen Pipes

The best way to avoid frozen pipes is to prepare your plumbing systems before winter begins. You may contact a plumber to handle these for you, or you can take the following steps:

• Insulate All Rooms: Consider insulating areas like your garage or basement to prevent exposing your pipes to low temperatures. Additionally, have a professional conduct insulation maintenance before winter.
• Outdoor Preparations: Drain your outdoor water line, such as the pipes to your sprinkler system, outdoor faucets, and swimming pool. Close the valve that supplies water to your outdoor fixtures, and then keep the taps open to relieve pressure from any lingering water that freezes. Remove, drain, and store detachable hoses and above-ground sprinklers.
• Check Your Walls: Inspect your walls for gaps and cracks, exposing your pipes and your property’s structure to cold air. Seal these gaps or contact a professional technician to handle them.
• Manage Your Thermostat: Consider adjusting your indoor heating practices in winter. Even if no one is on the property, consider leaving the thermostat at a slightly lower temperature instead of turning it off completely. This could add to your utility bill, but it ensures that most indoor spaces remain warm enough to prevent freezing.

Let Restoration 1 of Cape Cod Protect Your Home From Lasting Property Damage

If you’re experiencing frozen pipes, turning off the main water supply could help you address your frozen pipes and prevent damage. However, there are plenty of preventative measures and solutions to consider. If you’re unsure how to handle frozen pipes, contact a professional plumber or a property restoration company for assistance.

In case of frozen pipes, burst pipes, and water damage, Restoration 1 of Cape Cod is the reliable property restoration service you can trust. Through our 24/7 emergency services, our certified technicians are readily available to address common property issues during the winter season. Contact us at (631) 305-7699 for swift and efficient restoration services.