Frozen pipes Newcastle
Frozen pipes are also a major winter issue in Newcastle particularly in cold snaps when the temperature falls below zero. Frozen pipes can not only stop your water supply, they can also cause bursts and severe property damage in case of a lack of timely action. Being familiar with how to detect, repair and avoid frozen pipes may save you time, money and stress.
1.What causes pipes to freeze?
The pipes become frozen as the water in them is frozen by the low temperature. When water freezes, it expands creating pressure on the walls of the pipes. This force may result in cracking or busting of pipes which may leak after the ice melts.
The most vulnerable pipes would be those that are not heated like lofts, basements, garages, and exterior walls. When it is poorly insulated and exposed to cold air, it is more likely to freeze.
2.Symptoms of Frozen Pipes.
The most noticeable one is the lack of water in your taps, or a little trickle. You may also come across exposed pipes that have frost or unusual odors emanating out of drains which may occur due to ice blocking waste pipes.
Some of them have strange sounds such as banging or whistling when you turn on a tap which is also another indication that the flow of water is limited.
3.Frozen Pipes: How to Thaw Them.
When you suspect that there is a frozen pipe, you should move fast, but cautiously.
To begin by switch off your main water supply. This alleviates pressure in the system and assists in avoiding bursting in case the pipe breaks.
Then find the frozen part of the pipe. This tends to be in colder parts of your house. After locating, carefully heat the pipe with the help of the hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Heat all the way to the end that is nearest the tap and then proceed backwards.
4.Do not use boiling water or flame like blowtorches. These may harm the pipe or cause fire.
When the ice melts you should now find the water returning. You should leave the tap open a little in the process to release the melted water.
5.What? What If a Pipe Bursts?
In the case when the pipe is already broken, then shut the water supply and empty the system, opening all taps. Next, invite a professional plumber at the earliest opportunity to fix up the damage.
Meanwhile, attempt to keep any leaks at bay with buckets or towels to reduce the damage of water.
6.How to avoid Frozen Pipes in Newcastle Homes.
It is always advisable to prevent than to have to deal with a frozen or burst pipe. The following are some easy measures that you can implement:
Insulate your pipes: Foam pipe insulation is used to insulate the exposed pipes, particularly those that are not heated in any way.
Turn on your heating: Turning on your heating, even when you are out, will help to keep a safe temperature.
Seal drafts: Keep the cold air out of your house, by sealing up the places around your windows, doors, and pipes.
Keep faucets running: In extremely cold weather, a little stream of water can be left running so that it does not freeze.
Open cabinet doors: These assist in the circulation of warm air around sinks pipes.
7.Professional Calling.
In the event that you are unable to find the frozen pipe or it is situated somewhere where it is difficult to reach, then it is better to contact a qualified plumber. They possess the equipment and know how to safely thaw pipes and examine latent damages.
When your pipes freeze many times as well, then a professional can review your insulation and plumbing system to avoid future complications.
The problem of frozen pipes in Newcastle is a severe yet solvable issue. How to save your water supply and avoid expensive repairs is to act quickly and use safe thawing techniques. Through some preventive measures, you will be able to keep your home secure and will not have any worry about the winter season.