Frozen Pipe Repair and Prevention: What Maryland Homeowners Need to Know
Marylanders are currently combatting freezing temperatures, and folks all over are brushing up on their knowledge of cold-weather maintenance for their homes, cars, and more. Frozen pipes can be catastrophic, but there are a few ways to prevent and treat frozen pipes before they burst and require repair. Read on to learn everything you need to know about frozen pipe repair, treatment, and prevention to keep your home’s plumbing intact this winter.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
The best way to mitigate the effects of frozen pipes is to prevent your plumbing from freezing in the first place. Short of packing up and moving to Florida, there is no foolproof way of preventing your pipes from freezing, but there are a few things that you can do to lessen your risk. Drain any sprinkler systems, hoses, swimming pool supply lines, or other outside plumbing fixtures that are likely to freeze. Keep your faucets dripping slowly on particularly cold days, and make sure that your home is warm and adequately insulated. Cracks in walls, light fixtures, vents, and other poorly-insulated areas can cause your home’s inside temperature to drop, increasing your risk of a frozen pipe.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
Although some homeowners attempt to defrost frozen pipes on their own, it is always a good idea to contact a plumber to address frozen plumbing. Well-intentioned homeowners can easily get hurt or cause severe damage to their homes and plumbing while trying to thaw pipes. Never use things like space heaters, kerosene lamps, stoves, or any open flame to defrost your plumbing. Blow dryers and electric blankets are popular tools for homeowners who attempt to thaw their own plumbing, but even these methods can prove difficult. Consult the experts at Metcalf Plumbing if you think that your pipes are frozen to ensure that the problem is addressed safely.
Frozen Pipe Repair
If your plumbing has frozen, defrosting the pipes may be enough to fix the issue. However, some systems may require further frozen pipe repair. Frozen pipes can crack or burst due to expanding ice, causing plumbing problems and severe water damage to your home. If you encounter a frozen pipe or plumbing fixture, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to prevent your pipes from bursting.
Experience the Metcalf Plumbing Difference
Metcalf Plumbing is a customer-focused plumbing contractor serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Catonsville, Ellicott City and surrounding areas. From water heater installation, sump pump installation and repair to water and sewer line replacement, Metcalf Plumbing is a trusted resource to call on when you need help with your plumbing services. We are not commission-based and we provide honest, upfront costs with a thorough inspection of your system and suggested next steps. Our trained and courteous technicians are standing by to provide quality comfort at competitive prices. You can call us at 410-242-311 and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!