Since wintertime is just around the corner, your pipes are prone to be frozen in some of its parts. Many people have experienced this due to the low temperature brought by the season.You find yourself with no water coming out of the faucet.
How do you deal with these frozen pipes? First thing’s first, check with your neighbors to see if they are also affected. If so, then you may have to contact your water company. But if you’re the only one affected, then your pipes might be frozen in some parts.
It’s best to act as quickly as possible, as the freezing may eventually damage your pipes. Your pipes freeze because of the severe cold, causing the still water inside the pipes to glaciate. To prevent your pipes from freezing, defrosting can help the frozen water inside to thaw and then flow smoothly.
Follow these steps:
1. Find the origin of the blockage
You will need to find the location of the blockage before you take action. Run your hands on the surface of the pipes to feel and look for evidence of freezing along the pipes. If you feel a section on the pipe colder compared to the rest, then that might be the source of your problem. You may find multiple frozen areas within a pipe, so take not of that.
2. Protect your other belongings
In the room where the frozen pipes are situated, protect your possessions surrounded by it. Cover them with plastic or move them to another place. This will prevent further damage if the pipe bursts all of a sudden.
3. Turn off the stop tap
Locate the main water stop tap of your home. This is usually located where the service pipe enters your home or under the kitchen sink.
4. Turn on the closest tap
Run the cold tap closest to the frozen pipe. Doing so will allow water to flow when the frozen part melts.
5. Defrost the pipe
Carefully thaw the ice in the pipe. Be extra cautious as possible as the pipe could burst at any moment. It could also spray water as it starts to thaw. You can use a blower or wrap the frozen section with hot towels or heat packs. Remember: do not use naked flame in thawing the ice to prevent causing damage to the pipe.
6. Try it
Turn on the stop tap to examine if the water now runs smoothly. If the water’s still not running even after the procedure, repeat the process.
If the pipes are still uncooperative to the process, it may now be the right time to contact your local plumber for expertise in the field.
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