When it comes to plumbing issues, few are more frustrating than frozen pipes. When water freezes inside plumbing, it will interrupt the flow of water and increase the chance of leaks, which can also freeze and cause more damage. Before adding insulation and other preventative measures to piping, start by turning off the water and cleaning the surrounding area.

If You Discover Frozen Pipes

If you notice condensation or if the metal is cold, your pipes are likely frozen. Act quickly because metal or copper pipes may eventually burst from the expanding frozen water. Take note of the icy spots and carefully inspect for line breaks. Call a plumber if you see broken parts and turn off the water supply immediately. Replace any damaged areas before conducting preventative measures.

Thaw & Melt Ice With Heating Pads

Ensure that there are no leaks or broken areas as these next steps could flood your home. Turn the water back on and wrap the pipes in heating pads. A hairdryer can temporarily warm the affected area to keep the water flowing. You can place a space heater near the pipes to keep them warm, but watch them as they thaw to ensure nothing floods.

Preventative Insulation & Heat Tape

Prevent frozen pipes before they occur by applying extra insulation in basements and attics. These parts of the house may not be adequately insulated, so fit the pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to keep them warm through the winter. Apply thicker foam insulation in the walls and ceilings to raise the temperatures of the rooms.

Heat tape supplies warmth to pipes and can turn itself on or off. Wrap it around short sections of pipes that have a high risk of freezing. Heat tape is useful for regulating the temperature of exposed pipes, but keep an eye on it for flooding and make sure you’re following the safety procedures.

If you need insulation to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, contact Marchant Building Center in Mountain Home, AR. They have a wide selection of the finest quality building materials in their hardware store. They also install their products, so you don’t have to. To learn more about what they do, visit their website or call (870) 425-3168.

Their mailing address has changed to 1815 South College St. Spur.
They have not moved, but their street name has changed.