12/23/2022
I found this helpful information and wanted to pass it on.
"My pipes are frozen, but not busted, what can I do?" These steps were put together just in case you need them.
My Pipes Froze - Now What?
Step 1
Find the blockage. Open all the faucets in your home. If water doesn’t reach a particular faucet, trace its plumbing lines away from the fixture. A frozen pipe feels ice cold, continue until you locate the affected area. If none of your faucets are getting a flow of water, the problem may be with the main supply pipe. You can typically find yours in the basement or crawl space, on the side of the house that faces the street.
Step 2
Once you have found and confirmed the frozen pipe, go to the main water supply valve and turn it to its “off” position. Next, open the sink faucets and tub spouts in your home, draining what remains of the water in the system; flush your toilets as well.
Step 3
Grab a bucket and two or three towels you wouldn’t hate ruining—return to the frozen pipe. Apply heat to the frozen pipe. You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, space heater or even heating pads. You can even pour hot water over towels and drape them over the frozen spot.
It’s best to begin heating near the edge of the frozen area, on the side closest to the nearest kitchen or bathroom. That way the ice water can escape the pipe. Inch along the frozen pipe one section at a time. If you can’t directly apply heat to the frozen pipe, try running a space heater in the nearest accessible area.
Final option: Turn up your thermostat by a few degrees. Any increase in your utility bill would be small in comparison with a costly repair.
If the worst happens and pipes break, turn off the water and call us. We will figure the rest out together.
918-852-0022 Michael Metcalf with Southeast Service Heating and Air Company