Winter storms in Spokane bring a lot of snow and very cold air. This freezing weather often causes the water inside your pipes to turn into ice. When water freezes, it expands and takes up more space. This expansion puts a huge amount of pressure on the walls of your pipes. If the pressure gets too high, the pipe will break or burst. Calling an emergency plumber for frozen pipes is the best way to stop this from happening. A professional knows how to find the ice and melt it safely before the metal or plastic cracks.
Why Pipes Freeze and Burst
Pipes usually freeze when they are in parts of the house that do not get much heat. This includes crawl spaces, attics, and the inside of exterior walls. During a storm, the wind can push cold air through small cracks in your siding or foundation. This cold air hits the pipes and causes the water inside to stop moving and freeze.
The ice itself is not always what causes the break. Instead, the ice creates a blockage. Water is still trying to move through the pipe behind that blockage. This creates a buildup of pressure between the ice and the faucet. An expert plumber understands how to manage this pressure. They can locate the frozen spot and use the right tools to fix it before the pipe fails.
How an Emergency Plumber Thaws Pipes Safely
Thawing a pipe is not as simple as just heating it up. If you apply heat too fast, the pipe can crack. If you use a flame, you might start a fire. A professional emergency plumber for frozen pipes uses specialized equipment to solve the problem.
Controlled Heating Tools
Plumbers often use professional heat guns or electric heating pads. These tools provide steady and even heat. The plumber starts heating the pipe near the faucet and works their way toward the frozen area. This allows the melting water to flow out of the open faucet instead of getting trapped.
Professional Thawing Machines
In some cases, a plumber might use a pipe thawing machine. This machine uses low-voltage electricity to warm the pipe from the inside. This is a very fast and effective way to clear ice blockages in metal pipes. It is much safer than trying to use a space heater or a hair dryer on your own.
Relieving Pressure in the System
One of the first things a plumber will do is open your faucets. This is a very important step. Even a small trickle of water helps relieve the pressure that causes pipes to burst. When an emergency plumber for frozen pipes arrives, they check the entire system. They look for faucets that are not working and identify which lines are at risk. By opening these lines, they give the expanding ice and water a place to go. This simple action can save you from a major flood.
Finding Hidden Damage
Sometimes a pipe has already started to crack, but you cannot see it because the ice is acting like a plug. If you thaw the pipe yourself, water might start spraying everywhere once the ice melts. A plumber knows how to look for these tiny cracks. They inspect the joints and the sections of the pipe that are most vulnerable. If they find a leak, they can repair that specific section immediately. This prevents water from soaking into your walls and causing mold.
Keeping Your Plumbing Safe After a Storm
After the plumber thaws your pipes, they can help you make sure it does not happen again. They might suggest adding foam sleeves to your pipes or sealing gaps where cold air gets in. They can also check your water heater to make sure it is helping keep the water at a safe temperature. Having an emergency plumber for frozen pipes look at your system gives you a long-term plan for the winter.
Related Articles:
- How to Spot Hidden Pipe Bursts Behind Walls in Spokane
- Why Pipes Burst in Spokane Winters: Key Risk Factors
Spokane’s Emergency Plumber for Frozen Pipes
Pace Plumbing has the expert knowledge to handle Spokane’s toughest winter emergencies. Our licensed and insured team focuses on thawing pipes and repairing leaks caused by ice.
If you find ice in your pipes or lose water pressure, an emergency plumber for frozen pipes can prevent water damage to your home. Contact Pace Plumbing todayto get expert help right away.