Is your home in Barrie exposed to frozen pipes? During the harsh winters, water damage caused by burst pipes is a real threat. Water has the unusual property of expanding as it freezes. This expansion exerts enormous pressure on anything that contains it, including metal or plastic pipes. Expanding water, regardless of container strength, can cause pipes to break.

Here’s how to reduce the chances of your pipes freezing in your Barrie home and how to thaw them out if they do.

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing in Barrie

The three main causes of frozen pipes are rapid temperature drops, inadequate insulation, and thermostats set too low. During the warmer months, you can prepare your home.

• Pipes should be insulated: Even if you live in a temperate climate, pipe insulation in your crawl space and attic can help. Exposed pipes are the most prone to freezing. Remember insulation help to protect your pipes throughout winter.
• Make use of heat tape or heat cables: Wrapping pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables is an option. Use only products that have been approved by an independent testing organization and only for the intended use (exterior or interior). Follow all installation and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Seal any leaks: Find and thoroughly seal any leaks that let cold air in. Examine for air leaks near electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and seal them with caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Outdoor hoses, valves, and faucets should be kept secure: Disconnect garden hoses and, if feasible, use an indoor pipe to shut off and drain the water from pipes resulting in outside faucets before winter arrives. This reduces the possibility of freezing in the short length of pipe just inside the house.
• Allow water to drip: It may only take a trickle of hot and cold water to keep your pipes from freezing. Allow warm water to drip overnight while temperatures are cold, especially from an outside wall faucet.
• The thermostat should be adjusted: Maintaining the same temperature on your thermostat throughout the day and night reduces the risk of frozen pipes. This also helps to reduce the strain on the furnace during periods of extreme cold.
• Remove the cabinet doors: This allows heat to enter uninsulated pipes beneath sinks and appliances close to exterior walls.

How To Fix Frozen Pipes in Barrie

During a particularly cold spell, your pipes may freeze despite your best efforts. If you turn on your faucets and only a trickle of water comes out, or if your water pressure drops suddenly, you may have a frozen pipe. Here’s what you should do:

• Turn off the main water supply valve.
• Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or portable space heater to thaw the frozen pipes. The use of a blowtorch may cause damage to plastic pipes or a fire.
• If you are unable to reach the frozen pipe or it will not thaw, contact the licensed plumbers at Sureflow Plumbing & Drain so they can assist you with any potential issues before they turn into difficulties throughout the winter..
• While treating a frozen pipe, keep the nearest faucet turned on. Water will start to flow through the faucet as it melts.
• Check the other faucets in your house; if one pipe freezes, the others may as well.
• Check for broken or damaged pipes before turning on the water again; if in doubt, call a plumber. It’s better to spend a little money to ensure everything is in order than to risk further damage to your home.

Do you require assistance in preparing your home for the next big freeze? Are you concerned that you already have a frozen pipe problem? Contact Sureflow Plumbing & Drain today. We can assist you in minimizing damage to your home and help you avoid plumbing problems which may occur during the winter season.

Sureflow Plumbing & Drain are professional plumbers in Barrie that are equipped with the most modern and advanced tools and equipment to quickly and efficiently repair your plumbing problem or plumbing emergency quickly and efficiently. Whether you have a plumbing problem inside your washroom, toilet, kitchen or basement pipes, we will diagnose the problem and provide you with a cost effective solution for your plumbing problem.

The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional service. Please consult a licensed plumber for advice and diagnosis so you can receive the correct service for your specific situation.