Frozen water pipes typically happen during long stretches of sever freezing temperatures. If a blizzard takes down power lines and heat is not restored during freezing temperatures, it may not take long for exposed water pipes to freeze.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

You can prevent frozen pipes or lower your chances of frozen pipes by making sure your home's plumbing is well insulated and protected from outside temperatures. If a vacation home is not going to be occupied during the winter months in an area of the country that can freeze, people will often call on a plumber to winterize their home to prevent pipes from freezing.

What To Do

If you have frozen pipes or if your frozen pipes burst, you are going to have to call a plumber to repair the frozen pipes. Be aware that sometimes burst frozen pipes may not be immediately noticed until the pipes thaw. You do not want to deal with further damage of your home and belongings, so it's important to call a plumber right away. Knowing where your water shut off valve is also important.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

There are many methods that are tried when it comes to attempting to thaw frozen pipes. Depending on where the pipes are frozen and what types of pipes you have, the best method of thawing may vary. Please be very careful if you attempt to thaw a frozen pipe. Do not use an open flame of any kind. Be aware of the possibility of fires or electrocution. Hair dryers and other home remedies may not be advised in certain situations and once again, it's best left to the professional plumber to point you in the right direction.

Fix Frozen Pipes

If you call a plumber to fix your frozen pipes, you need to also take into consideration if your frozen pipes are an isolated incident. If your home heating was not working and you came home from a trip to find frozen pipes, then you might be able to get a plumber out right away. If however your region is experiencing sever freezing temperatures for a long time, then don't be surprised if you cant get a plumber for a couple of day. This type of freeze is very rare, but it does happen and the plumbers in your area are going to be booked up for a while. If you are lucky, you already have a reliable local plumber you can count on in an emergency situation.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Frozen pipes are dangerous because water expands when it freezes. When water in pipes freezes this expansion exerts significant pressure on the pipes. Even pipes that are in perfect condition can rupture.

Areas of the U.S. Where Pipes Freeze

Pipes can freeze in both northern and southern regions of the United States. In the north, where freezing temperatures are common, pipes are usually designed to go inside of the building’s insulation. However, in extremely cold weather, even pipes located inside the insulation can freeze.

During long periods of extreme cold temperatures and power outages, any home can experience frozen pipes. In the south, where freezing temperatures are relatively rare, pipes are often located outside of the building’s insulation. In this case, the pipes without insulation are in danger of freezing when the temperature drops below twenty degrees Fahrenheit.

Most big city areas in northern USA like Chicago, NYC and New England states like Rhode Island, MA and New Hampshire are used to cold weather and the homes are well protected. High winds during blizzards can knock out power and even the best insulated home could run the risk of frozen pipes.

What to Do When Your Pipes Freeze

• Do not apply extreme direct heat with an open flame device such as a blowtorch.
• Apply gentle heat is the way to go as long as you are careful to avoid electrical dangers if exposed to water. Best bet is to call a licensed plumber always.
• If you cannot locate the frozen sections of pipe, if you cannot reach the frozen pipe, or if you cannot thaw the frozen pipe safety, call a professional plumber.