What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen
Temperatures plummet in Queenstown and Wanaka in the winter months and can get down as low as -10 which is so cold your pipes easily get frozen! If your pipes are frozen, it’s important to act quickly to prevent them from bursting and causing extensive water damage. Here are the steps to take:
Identify Frozen Pipes
- Check Taps: If there is no water or only a trickle of water coming out when you turn on a tap, a pipe feeding that tap may be frozen.
- Inspect Exposed Pipes: Look for pipes that are visibly frosted or have bulges.
Turn Off the Water Supply
- Main Shutoff Valve: Locate and turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts.
- Drain the System: Open all taps to drain any remaining water from the system and reduce pressure on the pipes.
Locate the Frozen Section
- Inspect Accessible Areas: Check areas where pipes are exposed to the cold, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls.
- Feel the Pipes: Run your hands along the pipes to find the coldest sections, which are likely to be the frozen parts.
Thaw the Frozen Pipe
- Open the Tap: Turn on the tap nearest to the frozen pipe to allow water to flow once it begins to melt.
- Apply Heat with a Hair Dryer: Use a hair dryer to gently warm the pipe, starting from the faucet end and moving toward the frozen section.
- Apply Heat with a Heat Lamp or Space Heater: Place a heat lamp or space heater near the frozen pipe (but not directly on it) to gradually thaw it.
- Apply Heat with a Heating Pad: Wrap an electric heating pad around the pipe.
- Apply Heat with a Hot Towel: Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe, replacing them as they cool.
- Avoid Open Flame: Never use an open flame, blowtorch, or propane heater to thaw pipes, as this can cause a fire or damage the pipe.
Check for Leaks
- Inspect the Pipe: Once the pipe is thawed, check for leaks or cracks.
- Turn Water Back On Slowly: Slowly turn the water supply back on and monitor for any signs of leaks.
Prevent Future Freezing
- Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes.
- Seal Cracks: Seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings near pipes to reduce cold air infiltration.
- Keep Areas Warm: Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night, and consider opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Drip Taps: In extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes.
Emergency Situations
Call a Plumber: If you cannot locate the frozen section, if the pipe is inaccessible, or if you suspect a pipe has burst, call us at Optum for plumbing in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Call Us: 03 443 5718
Email: admin@optum.co.nz