Although warm weather has provided a brief respite from freezing temperatures, they are back with a vengeance. Consequently, so is the likelihood of frozen pipes. In earlier posts, you can find tips to how to prevent frozen pipes in your home. Unfortunately though, there is not a way to guarantee that you will never have frozen pipes, regardless of the precautions you take.
That’s why understanding how to thaw pipes is an important and helpful skill to have. But before you get started, it’s important to know that there are risks involved:
Starting a Fire. Because most methods to thaw pipes involve a heat source, if the process is not managed using caution, the possibility of an accidental fire is real.
Potential Electrocution. Often, the means to thaw pipes involves electrical appliances that are plugged in to an outlet. So, if you are thawing the pipes in the manner, remember that electricity and water can create a dangerous situation instantaneously if a pipe does burst. Because of this, it’s critical to plan carefully to avoid this possibility.
Bursting a Pipe. If frozen pipes are not thawed correctly, the pipes can and will burst. You’ll not only have a mess on your hands but a potentially dangerous situation that can cause significant harm to your home.
If you decide to thaw the pipes yourself, then Part Two of this series will explain the safest ways to do this. But if you would prefer to call a professional, make sure that they are insured and bonded. Though they may cost you more upfront, if anything goes wrong, it can literally save you thousands of dollars.
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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
