Frozen Pipe Repair Services In Syracuse, NY

When pipes freeze, the damage is often extensive — in some instances, catastrophic. The professionals with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse are experienced in providing these and other emergency services.

a Mr. Rooter plumber walking up to a house

However, we would rather help you prevent frozen pipes and the many problems they can cause. Here is some information on preventing frozen pipes as well as what to do should you ever experience this problem in your home.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to a great deal of expense. Even if just one pipe leaks as little as eight gallons per minute, that can result in thousands and thousands of dollars in damage. When ice forms in a pipe and expands, the pipe will rupture and the consequences can be overwhelming.

How Cold for Pipes to Freeze?

20 degrees Fahrenheit outdoor temperature is generally a good rule of thumb when it comes to worrying about frozen pipes; however, there are a lot of factors that will determine at what temperature pipes will freeze, including insulation, duration of the cold period, and several others so this may fluctuate.

If it’s below freezing outside and you think there’s a chance that your pipes could freeze, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

When the weather turns bitterly cold, you can’t ignore your plumbing. Failure to take the right precautions could be one of the worst mistakes you could make if your pipes freeze as a result. Follow these tips on preventing frozen pipes, however, and you’ll greatly reduce the chances of suffering a major plumbing disaster:

  • Once you hear that temperatures are going to dip below freezing for an extended period of time, open one of your faucets slightly to let a little bit of cold water trickle out. If the water is moving through your pipes, it won’t be able to freeze.
  • You’ll also need to make sure you have plenty of warm air moving around your indoor pipes. Open the cabinet below your kitchen sink to help keep your pipes well above the freezing point.
  • Check all of your windows and doors (don’t forget the basement door), as well as your home’s crawl spaces, to make sure they are sealed properly and have weatherstripping.
  • Make sure any exposed pipes outside of your home are insulated properly and completely drain your sprinkler system, water spigots, and outdoor hoses before the freeze hits.
  • If you have reason to believe a pipe has frozen and it has not yet burst, try to thaw it with a space heater, heating pad or a hair dryer.
  • Seal any drafty doors and windows and make sure your attic is properly sealed.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze and Burst

Unfortunately, pipes can freeze and burst no matter how many precautions you take. If this ever happens to you, fast action will be necessary for you to have the best chance at minimizing damage. This is particularly important if you have an older home.

First, turn off your electricity as well as your main water supply. If you don’t know where your water shut-off is, Mr. Rooter Plumbing can send someone out to help you locate it. If you live in an apartment and can’t control your building’s water flow, get in touch with your landlord immediately.

The next thing you will need to do will be to call a plumber. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will be ready to provide you with any emergency services you may need. If damage has occurred to your ceilings, flooring, or walls, you will likely need to call a restoration company as well.

You will also need to do whatever you can to prevent mold and mildew from accumulating due to water in your home. Get all of the towels you can as well as a mop and bucket. A shop vac will be a huge help if you can get one.

How Mr. Rooter Plumbing Can Help

We offer a wide range of residential plumbing services at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, including emergency services. We will act quickly if your pipes freeze and burst. Not only will we fix the problem, but we’ll also do whatever we can to reduce any damage to your home. We provide all emergency services at no additional charge.

Please get in touch with us as fast as possible if you realize you have frozen pipes or broken pipes due to freezing. Our licensed plumbers have helped many people throughout the Syracuse area with this exact issue, and we know exactly what to do. To learn more about this or any of the other services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or give us a call today.

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