When the temperatures really drop around here, many of our customers stress out over whether or not their pipes might freeze. Frozen pipes in Grand Rapids, MN can be a nightmare for any home or business owner. They can lead to costly repairs of pipes, water damage and a significant expense that you were probably not planning on. Luckily, there are a number of strategies that we use to help customers whose pipes might have frozen—some of which they can do themselves without needing to hire outside help.
Prevention tips
Sometimes, simple prevention can help you avoid costly repairs and damage to your pipes. There are some strategies to avoid frozen pipes in Grand Rapids, MN that can go a long way, such as opening the doors under sinks and in storage areas to let heat flow into them and warm exposed pipes. Also, leave sinks at a trickle overnight, but only if they do not lead to a drain line that can potentially freeze as well. You should also take the step of insulating pipes in unheated areas and take steps like applying heat tape to help warm pipes that are prone to freezing due to exposure. Also, make sure your heat is on and set to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you are traveling—nobody wants to come home to frozen pipes.
DIY strategies
If you believe your pipes are frozen, there are a few things you can do immediately to help mitigate any potential damage. Professional plumbing repairs in Grand Rapids, MN might not even be necessary if you take some quick steps. First of all, turn off the water main that services the frozen pipes. This can reduce strain on them and lower the chance that they will burst.
Next, if the pipes are visible, you can use a hair dryer to start thawing them out. If the pipes are not visible to you, but you still suspect that they may be frozen, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Also, be sure to call professionals like those at Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. if you notice slow water flow—this can be a sign that pipes are partially frozen, which can be repaired by technicians.
Repairing pipes
Sometimes, despite the best efforts of a home or business owner, frozen pipes in Grand Rapids, MN might burst. Our qualified technicians can help you easily navigate this process. It might entail the replacement of small pieces of your home’s or business’s pipe system, but most property owners are pleased to see that their water systems are as good as new after these fixes are completed.
Working through frozen pipes is one of the realities of owning a building. Cold temperatures are nothing new in Minnesota, and some simple strategies can go a long way toward preventing this type of problem. Just remember to make sure that all visible pipes are exposed to warm air whenever possible, don’t panic if you suspect a frozen blockage has occurred and don’t hesitate to call the qualified professionals at Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. if you believe you’re in need of more repairs.