Even though the weather’s been warmer than normal, it’s a safe bet that Old Man Winter isn’t done with us yet. That means you should still keep an eye on the temperatures so you can prevent frozen pipes. But what should you do if a pipe does freeze? It’s critical that you thaw it out the right way to avoid a burst pipe and all the headaches that come along with it. Hamilton Well & Pump knows a lot about plumbing in Brevard, NC. Here are our tips on how to thaw frozen pipes:
- Check every pipe – If you discover one frozen pipe, there’s a chance there are others. Inspect every pipe and take note of the ones that are frozen.
- Wrap in insulation – Next, it’s time to act. Grab some sort of insulation or heat tape and begin to wrap the frozen pipe. Like a blanket, this insulation will supply consistent heat to the surface of the pipe. In time, the insulation will melt the ice. Once it’s thawed and everything’s working properly, rewrap the pipe with fresh insulation to avoid future troubles.
- Grab a hair dryer – Use a hair dryer to apply heat to your frozen pipes. This time-tested trick may take longer but it will get the job done. Remember, you should never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Not only is it dangerous, it will heat the pipe too quickly, increasing the chances it will burst.
- Continue to apply heat – Remember to keep heat on your pipe even after it’s thawed out. This is an important step to make sure the pipe won’t refreeze. Protect your pipes by wrapping them in insulation, install lights in your well house, and keep your thermostat set at a warm temperature.
During prolonged periods of bitterly cold weather, check your pipes daily. It’s the best way to spot trouble before it takes a turn for the worse.
If you have problems with frozen pipes or need other plumbing in Brevard, NC, call Hamilton Well & Pump. We’re here to give you quality plumbing and well pump repair in Brevard, NC all year long.
