Winter in Spokane can be beautiful, but the freezing temperatures can also cause serious problems for homeowners—one of the most common being frozen pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can solidify, leading to blockages and even burst pipes. This can result in extensive water damage, costly repairs, and major headaches.
If you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes, don’t panic! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely thaw your pipes, prevent future freezes, and know when to call in the professionals at STOP Restoration Spokane—your go-to experts for plumbing emergencies and repairs.
Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of frozen pipes. Here’s what to look for:
- No Water or Slow Flow – If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water comes out (or no water at all), there’s a good chance the pipe is frozen.
- Frost on the Pipes – If you can access exposed pipes, such as those under sinks or in basements, check for frost buildup.
- Unusual Smells – A frozen blockage can cause odors to back up into your home because waste and gases have nowhere to go.
- Strange Noises – Sometimes, a frozen pipe may make strange banging or whistling sounds as water struggles to pass through.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely
If you’ve identified a frozen pipe, act quickly but carefully to prevent further damage. Here’s what to do:
1. Locate the Frozen Pipe
Start by identifying the affected area. Check pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or exterior walls. If you’re unsure which pipe is frozen, try turning on different faucets around your home to pinpoint where the issue is occurring.
2. Open the Faucet
Before thawing the pipe, turn on the affected faucet slightly. This helps relieve pressure and allows water to flow once it starts melting.
3. Apply Gentle Heat
Use one of these safe methods to warm up the pipe gradually:
- Hair Dryer – Aim warm air at the frozen section, moving the dryer back and forth to avoid overheating one spot.
- Heating Pad or Warm Towels – Wrap a heating pad around the pipe or soak towels in warm water and apply them.
- Space Heater – If the frozen pipe is in an enclosed area, a space heater can help raise the overall temperature.
- Heat Tape – If you have heat tape installed on your pipes, turn it on to slowly thaw the ice.
DO NOT Use an Open Flame! Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame to thaw pipes—this can cause a fire or damage the pipe.
4. Check for Leaks
Once the pipe is thawed, check for any cracks or leaks. If a pipe has burst, turn off the main water supply immediately and call STOP Restoration Spokane for emergency plumbing repairs.
When to Call a Professional
While some frozen pipes can be safely thawed on your own, certain situations require expert help. Call STOP Restoration Spokane if:
- You can’t locate the frozen pipe.
- The pipe is completely blocked, and no DIY method is working.
- You notice cracks, leaks, or water damage.
- A pipe has already burst.
- You’re unsure how to handle the situation safely.
STOP Restoration Spokane specializes in water damage restoration, plumbing repairs, and emergency services. Their team is available to quickly assess and fix any frozen or burst pipes, helping you prevent further damage to your home.
Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Future
The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Here are some proactive steps to protect your plumbing:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes – Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or heating cables to protect pipes in unheated areas.
- Keep a Drip Going – On extremely cold nights, let faucets trickle slightly to keep water moving.
- Maintain Indoor Temperatures – Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even if you’re away.
- Open Cabinet Doors – Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks by opening cabinet doors.
- Seal Drafts – Close gaps around windows, doors, and walls where cold air can enter and freeze pipes.
- Drain Outdoor Pipes – Disconnect garden hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and drain sprinkler systems before winter.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes, saving you from costly repairs and water damage.
Final Thoughts
Frozen pipes can be a major inconvenience, but with the right knowledge and quick action, you can prevent serious damage. If you suspect a frozen pipe, act fast to thaw it safely, and don’t hesitate to call STOP Restoration Spokane if you need expert help. As a trusted leader in plumbing and water damage restoration, STOP Restoration Spokane is ready to assist with any frozen pipe emergencies, burst pipes, and water damage repairs. Their experienced team provides fast, reliable service to keep your home safe and dry.
If you’re dealing with a frozen pipe or want to safeguard your home for the winter, call on (509) 260 8166 today for expert advice and professional repairs. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep your pipes flowing all season long!
FAQ
1. How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
Answer: Signs of frozen pipes include:
- No water coming from the faucet or only a trickle
- Frost or ice buildup on exposed pipes
- Bulging pipes due to ice expansion
- Strange odors coming from drains due to blockage
If you suspect frozen pipes, act quickly to prevent bursting.
2. What should I do immediately if my pipes freeze?
Follow these steps:
- Keep the faucet open to relieve pressure.
- Locate the frozen section of the pipe.
- Use a hairdryer, warm towels, or a space heater to thaw it slowly.
- Never use open flames, as they pose a fire risk.
- Check for leaks after thawing.
If you’re unsure or can’t find the frozen area, call STOP Restoration Spokane for professional assistance.
3. Can frozen pipes burst?
Yes. When water freezes, it expands, increasing pressure inside the pipe. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs.
4. How long does it take for pipes to freeze?
Answer: Pipes can freeze in as little as 6-8 hours if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), especially in uninsulated or exposed areas.
5. How do I safely thaw a frozen pipe?
Start by opening the affected faucet, then apply gentle heat using:
- A hairdryer (moving from the faucet end toward the frozen area)
- Warm towels wrapped around the pipe
- A space heater (at a safe distance)
- Heat tape, if available
Avoid using direct flames, as they can cause fire hazards or pipe damage.
6. When should I call a professional plumber?
Call STOP Restoration Spokane if:
- You can’t locate the frozen pipe
- Thawing efforts don’t work
- The pipe has burst or is leaking
- You frequently experience frozen pipes, indicating a larger issue
Their team provides emergency plumbing and home restoration services.
7. How can I prevent my pipes from freezing?
Preventative measures include:
- Insulating exposed pipes
- Letting faucets drip slightly during freezing temperatures
- Keeping cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
- Sealing any air leaks in your home
- Maintaining indoor temperatures above 55°F (13°C)
For long-term solutions, STOP Restoration Spokane can help assess and winterize your plumbing system.
8. Do I need to shut off my water if my pipes freeze?
If you suspect a pipe is frozen but hasn’t burst, you don’t need to shut off your main water supply—just keep the affected faucet open.
However, if you notice leaks or a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a professional plumber to prevent water damage.
9. Will homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage from burst pipes if it was accidental and not due to negligence (e.g., failing to keep the house warm).
It’s best to check your policy details and take preventative steps to avoid frozen pipes. If you experience water damage, STOP Restoration Spokane can assist with cleanup and restoration.
10. How much does it cost to repair a burst pipe?
Costs vary based on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, but major leaks or water damage can run into the thousands.
STOP Restoration Spokane offers fast and reliable plumbing repairs to prevent further damage and minimize costs.
