Above Freezing Temperatures Could Cause Big Headaches from Frozen Pipes

As the weekend draws near, a little relief of frigid temperatures is in sight as we will see a few days with above freezing temperatures. While most of us will enjoy this, this is also a time when frozen pipes will begin revealing themselves. The sustained cold conditions that we’ve experienced have left many homeowners with frozen pipes. We want to remind everyone that frozen pipes now could result in a problem in the future. When pipes freeze, it is a headache and inconvenience all on its own. As the water freezes, it expands and can often split or break the pipes. The problem comes when they thaw. As pipes begin to thaw, the water forces through at full-pressure. This can cause bursting pipes that could be in your attic, walls, ceilings, crawl spaces and basements. If a pipe in your home has already frozen, but has not yet burst, you may still be able to thaw the water and avoid any permanent damage. If only a tiny trickle of water comes out of the faucet when you turn it on, then chances are, the water inside is frozen. Here are some steps you can try to get the ice to melt.

• Keep your faucet open and uncovered.
• Apply heat directly to the pipe. You can use electric heating pads or towels soaked in hot water, applied directly to the outsides of the pipes. Space heaters and hair dryers can also be used to blow hot air onto them, under no circumstances should you try to use an open flame.
• Keep applying heat until full water pressure has been restored.

With temperatures being above freezing on Sunday and Monday, if you have pipes in your home or business that you have been unable to thaw we offer these tips:

• Stay at home if you can and be aware of the sound of running water. If you will be gone, turn off your water until you return.
• Make sure you know where to turn off the water to the whole house. Even a short period of water coming into a home can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
• If you already know that you have a portion of your home with frozen pipes, shut-off all water to that area, NOW.

If you experience any type of water loss, call the professionals at ResQ 24 by Thompson Building Associates. If not properly taken care of, the excess moisture has destructive capabilities. Not only can it create physical and structural devastation, but it can make the home a hotspot for bacteria, viruses, and mold. Thompson Building Associates has been serving Franklin and surrounding counties since 1978. Our IICRC technicians are available 24/7/365 for any type of emergency.