Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare in the winter.

The risks include expensive and extensive plumbing repairs and damaged walls and ceilings. So what do you do when your pipes freeze in the winter?

Before we get to that, let’s look at the signs that indicate your pipes are frozen.

Signs Your Pipes are Frozen

If you experience any of the following, your pipes could be frozen:

Damp drywall or ceiling
Limited water coming through the pipes
Gurgling sounds when pipes are running
Smelly water
Bulging pipes

What Should I Do?

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your frozen pipes don’t damage your home:

Shut off your water source. Find your main water supply source and shut it off.
Try to find the frozen pipe. If possible, see if you can find it.
Check for leaks around the pipe. Determining the pipe’s condition can help you know what to do next.
Try to thaw it. Using a portable heater, heating cable, electric heating pad, or hairdryer can help thaw your pipes.
Contact a plumber. If the pipe is leaking, heavily damaged, or unable to thaw it, then having a professional plumber review and fix it is your best course of action.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep them at a temperature above zero. Here is how you can do it effectively:

Insulate the pipes – Purchasing specifically designed pipe insulation made from fibreglass, polyethylene or foam. These can help protect your pipes from any cold throughout the winter.
Use heating tape – Similar to pipe insulation, applying heating tape to pipes can help them retain heat.
Cover crawl spaces and gaps – Ensuring that gaps are closed will stop any cold air flowing into and onto your pipes, reducing the chances it will freeze.
Let your faucet and pipes – It might seem strange, but letting the water run through your pipes will help it during winter. The small amount of friction and heat produced by water can keep your pipes from freezing.
Keep your thermostat consistent – Keeping your home nice and toasty will ensure that the pipes remain at a decent temperature.
Close the windows and doors – Ensuring that no cold enters your home will help protect your pipes from getting exposed to extreme colds.

Preventing frozen pipes is the best way to protect your home, avoiding emergency plumbing situations and costly repairs. If you do suspect that you have a frozen pipe, it’s best to contact a Calgary plumber as soon as possible!

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.