Dealing with Frozen Pipes this winter

Winter continues and so does the cold weather as recent weeks have proved. The usual winter weather can change almost instantly with snow fall arriving quicker than forecasters can predict. Your journey to work or stocking up on bread and milk is not all you should worry about. This is because frozen pipes can give you a nasty surprise.

Cold Weather Can Damage Pipes

Pipes can really suffer from the cold weather. As water freezes in the pipes the pressure increases and this can cause them to rupture. The result is a huge water leak that can cause significant damage to your home.

The pipes located in an unheated space or on an outside wall are at risk. So, what can you do to prevent or deal with frozen pipes?

If your pipes are freezing there are a few things you can do. However, you must deal with the problem as quickly as possible.

If your pipe has burst, then you need to turn off the water supply immediately.

What You Can Do To Treat A Frozen Pipe

Begin by turning on the tap that is connected to the frozen pipe. Follow the pipe to identify where it is frozen. This can often be indicated by ice or it could look full. However, the pipe can often be hidden behind a wall. If this is the case, you need to turn on the heating and wait for it to work. Should this not solve the problem you can give Heat Firm a call.

If the pipe is exposed, open the faucet if your are treating it with heat. You will need to work from the tap end towards the area that is frozen. This allows the water to melt slowly from the tap. You can use a hairdryer to aid the melting process or  even portable heaters. It is important to remember that if you have any concerns then Heat Firm are plumbers in London who can assist.

Dealing with Frozen Pipes this winter

Preventing Frozen Pipes

The first thing to do is insulate your pipes. If pipes are located in an area with no heat, they need to be protected from the cold weather. You can put a heater in the area where the pipes are located to ensure they remain warm. You can even wrap the pipe in electrical heat tape.

Things to Remember

If the pipe has burst or is swollen, then turn of the water supply. If the pipe is inaccessible because it is behind a wall give Heat Firm a call. When defrosting the pipe, start from the tap end of the frozen section first.

If you have any concerns, require advice or have a problem with frozen or burst pipes then Heat Firm are on hand. Simply give us a call to find out exactly why you can trust our service.