Frozen or Burst Pipes
Why is a frozen pipe such a problem? When the water in a pipe freezes, it expands, causing the pipe to burst.
There are three main causes to a frozen pipe:
- A quick drop in temperature
- Poor pipe insulation
- Thermostats set too low
Routine maintenance can assist in mitigating a freezing pipe. Things you can do at home are:
- Insulate your pipes
- Seal leaks in areas where pipes may be located
- Before winter, disconnect all garden hoses
Also, try to keep the thermostat set at a constant comfortable indoor temperature. When you go away in the winter it's important to shut off the main water valve in your house and then let the water drain our of the faucets. This will ensure that no water is left in the pipes to freeze while you are gone. Call us and we can help you with all these things.
What happens if your pipes have already frozen?
If you turn your taps on and nothing comes out, leave them on turn off your water supply and call us. It is possible at this point that the pipes are just frozen and have not burst. We will assist in thawing out your pipes.
What happens if it is too late and your pipes have burst?
A burst pipe is a major emergency. Shut off your main water valve, drain the taps, and call us immediately to repair the pipe.
