Effective Bloomington Normal Frozen Water Line Repair
Weather in Central Illinois is volatile, and as a result, water lines constantly experience hard freezes and quick thaws, sometimes in the same week. This kind of wear and tear can take its toll on pipes. Frozen pipes can also lead to pipe bursts and water leaks. Let Platinum Plumbing inspect and/or thaw your frozen pipes and call us at 309-516-0123 for any emergency pipe bursts.
Identifying Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t always immediately apparent. Unfortunately, sometimes you don’t know that a pipe was frozen until it is too late, and the pipe has burst. Here are some signs that your pipes may be frozen.
Slowed Water Movement
If it feels like water is taking an unusually long time to reach the faucet, this may be a result of frozen pipes. It could also be caused by another obstruction or bent pipe. Call us straight away if you are experiencing slow-moving water.
Unusual Sounds
Weird sounds from pipes aren’t always a cause for concern, especially in older houses, but if you hear new sounds such as whistling, bubbling or gurgling, or clanking sounds during cold times, these could all indicate frozen or damaged pipes.
Frost
The most easily identifiable indication that you have a frozen pipe is frost on the outside of the pipe.
Bulging or Protruding Pipes
Just like golf balls should not be able to fit into garden hose, pipes should also not show swelling or lumps.
Call Platinum Plumbing Immediately
if you notice any of these signs, but before you do, to minimize damage, here are a couple of things you can do yourself:
Turn off the Water Main
If water is still trying to move through the pipes while parts are frozen, it can cause the pipes to burst and cause significant flooding.
Thaw Visible Ice or Frost
This can be done with any source of blowing heat such as a space heater or hair dryer. (Helpful Hint: Never plug a space heater into an extension cord.)
Frozen Pipe Prevention
Residents of small towns in the surrounding Bloomington-Normal area may already know how to protect pipes in houses without a basement. Simply put piles of hay in your crawl spaces around the pipes.
Additionally, when temperatures are dangerously cold, leave a faucet on just enough to create a trickle. Constant movement will help keep the water from freezing.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to flow in more easily.
Keep your thermostat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.