What NOT To Do With Frozen Pipes

5 min read

As temperatures plunge in North Atlanta, your home’s water lines become more vulnerable to freezing and even bursting. If you’ve ever dealt with frozen water lines, the steps you take can either set the stage for a simple fix or a full-blown, water-logged disaster.

While acting as quickly as possible is crucial, it’s equally essential to understand what actions to avoid and proceed with care. Knowing what not to do with frozen pipes is crucial in preventing extensive damage to your home.

The good news is, that you can effectively keep frozen water lines from turning into a property disaster by avoiding these five mistakes:

1. Using an Open Flame To Thaw a Pipe

Grabbing a blowtorch or any open flame to quickly thaw frozen pipes might seem like a good idea. However, applying extreme heat is not just ineffective but also highly dangerous. It can cause the water inside your lines to boil, leading to a burst pipe or, even worse, a fire in your home.

It’s best to stick to safer alternatives, like space heaters and heat lamps, to warm the pipes gradually. These methods might take longer, but they significantly reduce the risk of damaging your pipes or home.

2. Ignoring Insulation

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of properly insulating their pipes. While it’s too late to insulate after they’ve already frozen, remember that adding insulation is a preventative measure for the next cold snap.

If your water lines have frozen due to insufficient insulation, it’s best not to make the same mistake of ignoring this critical step after the freeze has been addressed. Insulate pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements and garages, to prevent future freeze-ups.

3. Closing the Faucet and Closing Doors

One common misconception is that keeping your faucet closed helps contain the problem. In reality, opening the faucet relieves pressure in the system and can reduce the risk of a burst pipe as you attempt to thaw your pipes. Letting it drip also keeps water flowing and minimizes the chances of freezing in the first place.

The same goes for the doors inside your home. Closing the doors to rooms and cabinets cuts off heat circulation within your home. Rooms with closed doors are more likely to reach freezing temperatures, especially if they have external walls.

It’s best to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house and open room and cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes behind the walls. This practical tip is also a proactive step on how to stop pipes from freezing in the first place.

4. Neglecting Small Leaks

Small leaks might seem insignificant and a problem that can wait. However, ignoring minor leaks is exactly what not to do with frozen pipes. Even the smallest of them can indicate that the pipe has started to crack. Neglecting them can result in extensive water damage and a far more complicated cleanup process.

It’s crucial that you call in professionals who specialize in frozen and burst pipe cleanup to handle the issue before it escalates. Timely intervention can save you from heftier repairs down the line.

6. Acting Hastily

Suspecting or discovering frozen pipes in your home can be distressing. Unfortunately, it can also lead to rash decisions that can compound the problem rather than solve it. As mentioned earlier, hasty actions such as using an open flame to thaw frozen pipes can result in water line damage and other complications.

When dealing with frozen pipes, remember that patience is key. Thawing should be gradual to prevent any sudden changes in pressure that can fracture the pipe. If in doubt, shut off your home’s water supply and contact experts experienced in such emergencies.

7. Delaying in Calling the Professionals

Many homeowners pride themselves on their DIY skills. But when it comes to frozen pipes and, more especially, pipe bursts, professional experience is invaluable. Misjudging the situation can turn a manageable issue into frustrating water damage and a costly repair.

This is why it’s crucial that you don’t hesitate to call a frozen and burst pipe cleanup company in North Atlanta at the first sign of trouble. Our local experts have the right tools and knowledge to resolve the issue safely and, best of all, offer advice to help you prevent future occurrences.

8. Make Your Home Dry and Comfortable Again With the Help of Local Experts

Winters in North Atlanta can make frozen pipes much more likely. Knowing what not to do when your water lines freeze is just as essential as understanding the proper steps to take. Steer clear of the mistakes above to keep your home safe, dry, and intact during the frigid months.

If you are dealing with a frozen or burst pipe disaster, know that you can get prompt help from Restoration 1 of North Atlanta. As locals ourselves, we understand the urgency of these situations and provide swift, expert service to thaw your pipes correctly. Ultimately, you can count on us to restore safety and comfort to your home.

Enjoy peace of mind even when winter woes strike. Contact us anytime to schedule your frozen or burst pipe cleanup service.