Good ol’ winter – a season of cozy nights by the fireplace, steaming cups of cocoa, and, unfortunately, the occasional frozen pipes. As your trusted plumbing experts, we understand the headaches that come with chilly temperatures wreaking havoc on your plumbing system.

Fear not, for we're here with a guide to help you prevent and thaw those frosty dilemmas.

Prevention is Key: Protecting Your Pipes

  1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: The first line of defense against frozen pipes is proper insulation. Ensure that vulnerable pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics are well-insulated. Pipe sleeves or heat tape can work wonders in keeping the cold at bay.
  2. Seal the Cracks: Cold drafts can find their way into your home, affecting exposed pipes. Seal any gaps or cracks in your walls, windows, and doors to minimize the chances of freezing. It's like giving your pipes a warm, winter coat.
  3. Let Faucets Drip: On particularly chilly nights, allow faucets to drip slightly. The movement of water can prevent it from freezing within the pipes. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
  4. Keep the Heat On: If you're planning a winter getaway, don't turn the heat off completely. Maintain a reasonable temperature in your home to prevent the pipes from succumbing to the frigid conditions.
  5. Open Cabinet Doors: For pipes located under sinks, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate. This simple trick can make a significant difference in preventing frozen pipes.

Thawing Frozen Pipes: Taking Action When Winter Strikes

  1. Locate the Freeze: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, there's a good chance you have a frozen pipe. Identify the affected area before proceeding. We can do this for you!
  2. Keep Faucets Open: As you begin the thawing process, keep the affected faucet open. This helps to relieve pressure and allows water to flow freely once the pipe is thawed.
  3. Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or towels soaked in hot water to apply gentle heat to the frozen section of the pipe. Never use an open flame, as it can damage the pipe.
  4. Heat Tape or Electric Heating Pad: For a more controlled approach, consider using heat tape or an electric heating pad designed for pipes.
  5. Call the Professionals: If you're unable to locate the frozen pipe, or if your efforts aren't yielding results, it's time to call in the experts. Professional plumbers like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita have the experience and tools to identify and thaw frozen pipes efficiently.

Winter plumbing woes may be an unwelcome guest, but with these preventive measures and thawing techniques, you'll be well-equipped to handle whatever the season throws at your pipes.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home warm, cozy, and plumbing trouble-free during the winter months.

Our plumbers are available 24/7, seven days a week, you can count on us! Stay warm and worry-free, dear homeowners!