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Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes During Winter
Frozen pipes can cause serious damage since water expands and can make them burst, spilling hundreds of gallons a day. To stop this, cover exposed pipes, let faucets drip in extreme cold, and keep indoor temps above 55°F (13°C). If pipes freeze, warm them up slowly with safe heat sources like a hair dryer—never use an open flame.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem
Frozen pipes aren’t just a hassle—they can cause major damage fast.
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and builds pressure.
Too much pressure can cause the pipe to burst, leading to costly water damage.
Even a small 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, soaking walls, floors, and furniture.
The damage doesn’t stop there.
Water can weaken walls, floors, and even your home’s foundation.
Hidden moisture also leads to mold and mildew, which can cause health issues and expensive repairs.
Fixing burst plumbing isn’t cheap.
Repairs often include replacing damaged pipes, drying out soaked areas, and removing mold, all of which add up fast.
The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
Prevention is the best solution.
Insulating exposed plumbing, sealing drafts, and keeping your home warm can help protect your water lines.
But if you think a pipe is frozen or has burst, act fast.
The pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can fix the issue before it gets worse.
Why Pipes Freeze
Frozen pipes don’t just happen—they need the right conditions.
The main cause is freezing weather.
Water lines can freeze when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C) for a long time.
When water turns to ice, it expands and increases pressure inside, which can lead to cracks or bursts.
Another big reason is poor insulation.
Pipes in unheated spots like attics, crawl spaces, and garages are at risk.
Without insulation, cold air gets in and freezes any water inside.
Homes with poorly sealed exterior walls also make it easier for cold air to reach unprotected pipes.
Air leaks make things worse.
Small cracks in walls, floors, or near pipes let in cold drafts that speed up freezing.
Even a tiny gap near a pipe joint can be enough to cause problems.
Sealing these gaps and adding insulation helps prevent freezing.
Pipes running along exterior walls or connected to outdoor faucets freeze more often.
Protecting these areas is essential during winter.
If you’re in Conway, SC, ensuring proper insulation can help prevent damage.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach offers trusted residential plumbing services to help safeguard your home’s plumbing from frigid temperatures.
How to Spot Frozen Pipes in Your Home
Catching frozen pipes early can save you from a costly mess.
The biggest warning sign? No water from your faucets.
If you turn on the tap and only get a trickle—or nothing at all—your pipes might be frozen.
Another clue is frost on exposed pipes.
Check your basement, crawl space, or under sinks.
If you see frost or condensation, the water inside could be solidified.
A bad smell from drains or faucets is another hint.
When water freezes in a pipe, it blocks the flow, trapping sewer gases that then seep back into your home.
If you notice a foul odor, don’t ignore it.
Some areas are more at risk than others.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls, and garages are common trouble spots.
These areas often lack insulation, making plumbing more likely to freeze.
If you think a pipe is frozen, act fast.
Trying to thaw it the wrong way can cause it to burst.
Instead, call a 24-hour plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Conway, SC, for expert help before the problem gets worse.
Why Pipes Freeze and Burst
Water expands when it freezes.
Inside a pipe, this expansion builds pressure, which can lead to cracks or even bursts.
A tiny 1/8-inch crack in a frozen pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing serious damage if not fixed fast.
How Freezing Water Breaks Pipes
When temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C) for a long time, water inside unprotected pipes starts to freeze.
As it turns to ice, it expands and pushes against the pipe walls.
If the pressure has nowhere to go, the pipe can crack or burst—usually at joints, bends, or weak spots.
When Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze
Pipes in unheated places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces are most at risk.
While water freezes at 32°F (0°C), indoor plumbing usually doesn’t start freezing unless temperatures stay at 20°F (-6.7°C) or lower.
Good insulation and regular maintenance from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can help protect homes in Conway, SC from frozen pipes.
Preventing Frozen Pipes Before Winter Hits
Frozen plumbing lines can cause big problems, but a little prep can help you avoid costly damage.
One of the best ways to protect your home is by insulating exposed pipes.
Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are most at risk.
Foam sleeves or heat tape can add a layer of protection and lower the chance of freezing.
Another key step is sealing leaks or drafts around windows, doors, and spots where water lines enter your home.
Even a small draft can freeze a pipe overnight.
Use caulk or weather stripping to keep cold air out and safeguard your plumbing.
If you have outdoor plumbing, take action before temps drop.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Shut off and insulate outdoor faucets so water doesn’t freeze and burst inside the pipes.
These simple steps can save you a major headache when winter arrives in Conway, SC.
For extra peace of mind, a pro can check your home for weak spots.
A licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can spot risks and suggest the best ways to prevent frozen pipes.
Best Ways to Keep Frozen Pipes From Freezing
When it gets cold, your pipes can freeze, which can lead to big problems.
The good news? A few simple steps can help protect your plumbing.
Let faucets drip in freezing weather—this keeps water moving and lowers the risk of freezing.
Even a small trickle helps ease pressure in pipes, which is what usually makes them burst.
This small step can save you from a big headache.
Keep your home warm, even if you’re not there.
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) to keep pipes from getting too cold.
This is key for vacation homes or empty houses left unattended.
Pay attention to pipes under sinks, especially along outside walls.
Open cabinet doors to let warm air in, helping to prevent frozen pipes.
If your kitchen or bathroom stays cold, a small space heater can provide extra warmth.
Lastly, seal any cracks or gaps near pipes to keep cold air out.
Open spaces in walls, floors, or near windows can let in freezing drafts.
Fixing these weak spots keeps your plumbing safe, even in the worst winter weather.
If you’re in Conway, SC, taking these precautions is especially important during extreme cold spells.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Frozen pipes can be a big problem, but acting fast can help prevent major damage.
First, find the frozen spot—it’s usually in unheated places like basements, attics, or along outside walls.
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, the pipe feeding it is probably blocked by ice.
Frozen plumbing lines are especially common in colder months, so staying vigilant can help you avoid costly repairs.
Safe Ways to Thaw Pipes
Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. It can cause a fire or weaken the pipe, leading to a burst.
Instead, use a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the pipe slowly. Start at the faucet end and move backward so melting water can flow out. Wrapping the pipe with warm towels can also help.
When dealing with frozen pipes, patience is key to preventing sudden bursts or leaks.
If pipes under a sink are frozen, open cabinet doors so warm air can reach them.
Keep the faucet slightly open while thawing to keep water moving and ease the pressure.
If you’re unsure what to do, you can always contact professional plumbers for help.
When to Call a Plumber
If the pipe stays frozen after trying these steps or if you see leaks, call a plumber.
A frozen pipe can crack if left too long, causing serious water damage.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC offers emergency help in Conway, SC, so you can get your plumbing fixed before things get worse.
How to Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can help you avoid major water damage, especially in freezing weather.
If frozen pipes burst, turning off the water fast can prevent flooding and expensive repairs.
Homeowners dealing with frozen pipes should always know the location of their shut-off valve to minimize potential damage.
Where to Look
Most homes have the main shut-off valve in one of these spots:
- Near the water meter – Usually on an exterior wall, in a basement, utility room, or crawl space.
- Where the main water line enters your home – Often by the front foundation wall.
- Near the water heater or furnace – Some homes have an indoor shut-off valve close to these.
If you can’t find it, look for a round or lever-style handle on a main pipeline.
If your home has a slab foundation, the valve might be inside a covered box outside.
Make Sure It Works
Once you find the valve, check if it functions:
- Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
- Open a faucet—if the water stops running, the valve works.
- If it’s rusted or hard to turn, it may need repairs.
A working shut-off valve can stop major plumbing issues.
If you have trouble in Conway, SC, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC for help.
The Risks of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes aren’t just a hassle—they can cause major damage and lead to expensive repairs.
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe.
This pressure can crack or even break the pipe.
A small 1/8-inch crack can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day, soaking drywall, ruining floors, and creating electrical hazards.
Hidden Dangers of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause problems beyond just flooding.
Many homeowners in Conway, SC, don’t realize that standing water and excess moisture create the perfect space for mold and mildew.
These can spread quickly behind walls, under floors, and into insulation.
This not only hurts indoor air quality but can also cause breathing problems for residents.
Another big risk is structural damage.
Water can warp wooden beams, break down drywall, and weaken foundations, leading to expensive repairs.
If left unchecked, floors and ceilings can even collapse, making the damage much worse.
If you think a pipe has burst due to frozen pipes, act fast.
Shut off your home’s main water supply and call a professional plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Quick action can stop more damage and get your plumbing fixed fast.
Emergency Steps for Frozen Pipes
Frozen plumbing lines can lead to big plumbing problems if not fixed fast.
Acting quickly can help stop water damage and save you from costly repairs.
If frozen pipes are left untreated, they can burst and cause extensive property damage.
What to Do Right Away
First, shut off the main water supply.
This stops pressure from building up and lowers the risk of a burst pipe.
Then, turn on all faucets a little to let trapped water escape as the pipes thaw.
Taking immediate action with frozen pipes is crucial to minimizing damage.
If you can, use a hairdryer or heating pad to warm exposed sections slowly.
Never use an open flame—it can damage piping or start a fire.
If a pipe has already burst, use buckets and towels to catch leaks until a plumber arrives.
When to Call a Plumber
If your pipes stay frozen even after heating attempts, call a pro.
Plumbers have special tools, like thawing machines and infrared cameras, to find ice blockages and safely restore water flow.
Winterizing outdoor faucets and irrigation systems is key to preventing future freezes.
A plumber can check for weak spots and suggest ways to stop it from happening again.
For expert help, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Conway, SC offers trusted frozen pipe solutions.
Why Hire a Pro to Prevent and Fix Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t just a hassle—they can seriously damage your home’s plumbing.
A burst pipe can leak hundreds of gallons of water a day, wrecking your walls, floors, and insulation.
The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC know how to stop these disasters before they happen.
Save Time and Money with Expert Help
Fixing a plumbing freeze yourself might seem like a good idea, but wrong thawing methods can weaken the pipes and cause more damage later.
A pro can quickly find problem spots, use safe thawing methods, and strengthen your plumbing to handle the cold.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Plumbers do more than just fix cold-weather plumbing issues—they help stop them from freezing in the first place.
Experts can add insulation, seal air leaks, and suggest smart home tools like automatic shut-off valves.
These steps can save you from a stressful winter mess.
Fast Emergency Help
Frozen pipes need quick action.
Having a pro on call means you get fast, reliable help instead of scrambling for last-minute fixes.
A quick response can be the difference between a small repair and serious damage.
For expert frozen pipe prevention and repair in Conway, SC, count on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC to protect your home all winter.
FAQs
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
If no water comes out of your faucet, you see frost on exposed pipes, or notice weird smells from drains, you may be dealing with frozen pipes.
Can frozen pipes burst?
Yes. When water freezes, it expands. If there’s too much pressure, the pipe can crack. Even a small 1/8-inch crack can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing major damage.
What should I do if I think my pipes are frozen?
Turn on the nearest faucet. If only a small trickle comes out, the water lines might be frozen. Warm the pipe with a hairdryer or heating pad, but never use an open flame.
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes can freeze when the temperature drops below 20°F (-6.7°C) for several hours. This is more likely in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
When should I call a professional?
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Conway, SC if the pipe is fully frozen and won’t thaw, or if you see cracks or leaks. This can help prevent serious damage.