Have you ever woken up to a faucet that gives you nothing but a cold stare? Frozen pipes in Severna Park or Brooklyn Park can turn a cozy winter morning into a frantic rush to find buckets and towels. One minute, you are sipping your hot cocoa. The next, you are worrying about a potential indoor skating rink.
In this blog, you will learn why pipes freeze, how to prevent pipes from freezing, and what to do if they burst. You will also get a few laughs along the way. Let’s face it: A burst pipe is no joke, but humor eases the stress. By the end, you will feel prepared to keep your home dry, even when winter visits with frigid gusto.
And if you need help, our Brooklyn Park and Severna Park plumbers are just a phone call away!
Maryland winters can be fickle. One day, you feel a mild breeze; the next, a polar vortex arrives. Pipes freeze when the water inside them drops below 32°F. Water expands when it freezes, which accumulates pressure inside the pipe. Eventually, something has to give.
Most often, unprotected or poorly insulated pipes are the first to freeze. That includes pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls. When frigid air seeps into these zones, any water inside the pipe becomes a solid block of ice. You will notice little or no water flow as an early telltale sign. In other instances, you might see frost building on the pipe’s surface. If it stays frozen for too long, the pipe can split open. That can lead to a nasty water leak when the ice finally melts.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Prevention is much cheaper than repairing water damage. Taking a few steps now can save you a lot of stress later. Here’s how you can help prevent frozen pipes in Severna Park:
Insulate Your Pipes: Foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps help keep pipes warm. Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas. Also, consider adding extra insulation to walls and attics.
Keep the Heat On: A toasty home protects pipes. Even if you are traveling, keep your thermostat set above 55°F. Lowering the heat too much increases the risk of frozen pipes.
Seal Cracks and Gaps: Cold air can sneak in through tiny openings. Check for cracks near windows, doors, and foundation lines. Then, use caulk or weatherstripping to block those chilly drafts.
Open Cabinet Doors: Pipes under your kitchen or bathroom sinks need some warmth, too. Opening cabinets allows warm air to circulate around those hidden spots.
Allow Faucets to Drip: On very cold nights, let faucets trickle slightly. Moving water is less likely to freeze. A steady drip can relieve built-up pressure if ice forms.
Close Garage Doors: Keep the doors shut if you have water supply lines in your garage. This step keeps frigid winds from taking aim at your exposed pipes.
Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Sometimes, you can catch frozen pipes before they decide to burst. Early detection can save your home from water damage. Watch for any of these signs:
Reduced Water Flow: Faucets deliver only a tiny trickle or stop producing water altogether.
Frost on Pipes: Visible ice crystals on the outside of the pipe may indicate frozen water inside.
Unusual Odors: Frozen pipes can block normal airflow, causing strange smells to drift back into your home.
If you notice any of these symptoms, act quickly. You may be able to thaw the pipe and avoid a bigger problem. Don’t wait until a loud crack signals your pipe has finally had enough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Frozen Pipes
If you are dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, try not to make these errors:
Ignoring the Signs: Waiting too long can worsen the damage. Act as soon as you spot trouble.
Using an Open Flame: A blowtorch is never the right choice. You can damage the pipe or start a fire.
Forgetting the Main Valve: The longer the water flows, the worse the flooding. Turn it off right away.
Skipping Professional Help: Some small repairs can be DIY projects. However, major leaks or serious damage require a licensed plumber.
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe
Sometimes, even the best efforts fail. If you discover a frozen pipe, try these steps right away:
Turn on the Faucet: Open the faucet connected to the frozen section. This trickle helps release pressure and moisture as the ice melts.
Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer, a space heater, or even warm towels. Work from the faucet ends toward the frozen section. Avoid open flames or high-heat devices that could damage the pipe.
Monitor for Leaks: As the ice melts, watch for cracks or water seepage. A slight crack can become a serious leak once water pressure returns to normal.
Keep the Water Flowing: After it thaws, run water for a few minutes to flush out any lingering ice crystals. This step also helps detect any tiny leaks that might have formed.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe can feel like the plot twist nobody asked for. Calm action can prevent the situation from spiraling out of control:
Shut Off the Main Water: Valve Locate this valve ahead of time and mark it. That way, you will know exactly where to go in an emergency. Turning off the main supply stops additional water from flooding your home.
Turn Off the Electricity (If Needed): Water and electricity are not friends. If water is near electrical appliances or outlets, consider switching off power to that area. Always prioritize safety.
Call a Professional Plumber: A burst pipe requires expert repair. You may also need advice on drying out wet areas. Water damage can lead to mold if left unchecked.
Document the Damage: Take photos or videos before cleanup. These visuals can help with insurance claims later on.
Remove Standing Water: Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a sump pump to remove excess water. Dry the area thoroughly to avoid lingering moisture.
Abend Services: Here When You Need Us
At Abend Services, we know how stressful frozen pipes can be. Our team has served Maryland communities for years. We believe in honesty, integrity, safety, improvement, diversity, and commitment. These values keep us focused on quality for every customer. We treat you with respect and show up with gratitude for the trust you place in us.
Located in Severna Park and Brooklyn Park, we handle plumbing and heating issues skillfully and quickly. Our prompt, honest service has earned us the loyalty of families across the region. We specialize in installations, maintenance, and repairs. Call us when you need a reliable team to handle your plumbing or heating systems. We arrive ready to solve the problem. We also make sure to leave you satisfied with our high-quality work.
You can count on us for Severna Park emergency plumbing situations, too. We know that frozen pipes never wait for a “convenient” time to burst. Our tribe of trusted technicians will arrive as soon as possible to restore your home’s comfort. Whether you need a new pipe installed or a heating system tuned up, Abend Services is here to help.
Need Help with Frozen Pipes?
Frozen pipes in Severna Park can catch you off guard. However, you now have the knowledge to protect your home. Insulate pipes, keep a steady indoor temperature, and seal potential drafts. If a pipe does freeze, thaw it carefully. If it bursts, shut off your main valve and call a professional.
In moments of plumbing panic, remember you are not alone. Abend Services exists to take care of you. Our values guide us to serve our community with honesty, safety, and skill. We show up with a can-do attitude and a friendly smile. Let us prove to you why we are Maryland’s trusted choice for plumbing and heating.
You deserve a warm, dry, and peaceful winter. You can keep your home safe from unwanted ice-cold surprises by taking action now. And if an emergency happens, just give us a call. We will be there to add you to our list of happy customers!