With cooler weather on the horizon, homeowners in Massachusetts generally start winterizing their home by sealing air leaks and upgrading insulation. Because frozen pipes aren’t uncommon in our region, homeowners should also take the time to protect their plumbing systems.
In the event that your pipes do freeze, it's imperative that you know how to thaw them, since freezing may occur even if you’ve taken precautionary measures. If your home loses power, your pipes may freeze. An unexpected storm may hit the area while you're away and cause frozen pipes, or any number of unexpected situations may occur.
Before attempting any of the methods below, open the faucet that supplies water to the specific pipe that is frozen to release any steam created during the thawing process:
- Wrap the pipe in electric heat tape, being careful not to wrap the tape over itself. This step helps to slowly thaw the pipes.
- Place a heat lamp no closer than 1 foot to the pipe. The lamp produces a lot of heat, so protect surrounding areas from scorching or burning by covering them with aluminum foil. To prevent electrical hazards, don’t let the lamp get wet. Be sure it’s placed on a dry area and plug it into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, if you have one. Also, avoid locating the lamp near a gas line.
- Probably the most common means of thawing frozen pipes is to use a blow dryer, directing the air along the length of frozen pipe. Be sure you’re standing on a dry area, and as with the heat lamp, plug it into a GFCI outlet. Never use propane to thaw your pipes.
- Insulate the pipe by wrapping it with several layers of toweling, then pour hot water on the towels and continue until the pipe thaws. This method is obviously messy and may be used as a last resort.
You know your frozen pipes are beginning to thaw when water leaks out through the faucet or when the pipes gurgle.
To learn more about thawing your frozen pipes or how to protect them, contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!
Image via Shutterstock.com
Nice people.
Great service.
Since 1928
Read From Over 10000 Happy Customers
-
Both Alex and Patrick were knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. They made a change that might have solved the recent problem and have structured a more complete solution. We agreed to this...
-
Mike was thorough, thoughtful and considerate. Covered their shoes before entering, surveyed my issue and provided an explanation of the services and costs. Great Job!
-
Alex did a great job providing an explanation of the services provided and went out of his way to offer assistance/advice on other issues outside of our scheduled maintenance visit.
-
Brian did an excellent job inspecting our 18-year old boiler and replacing some of the accessory hardware that needed it, he also adjusted the outgoing hot water settings for our radiators and...
-
Rodenhiser is my one stop shop!!! They take care of my HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues & are always helpful addressing any questions I may have about the systems in my house! Everyone...
-
Chris G. and Nick V. showed up bright and early at 8am to fix my water heater issue. They were on time, polite and were able to fix an issue that has been plaguing my house for a good year. They...
Call Rodenhiser at 1-800-462-9710
When you are looking for plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning in the Route 495 / 128 area, you will be delighted that you called Massachusetts' trusted choice since 1928.
With a total dedication to professional workmanship and excellent service, discover why families and businesses continue to trust Rodenhiser after generations of service
