Pace Plumbing knows that winter weather in Spokane can be very harsh on your house. When the outdoor temperature stays below freezing for many days, the water in your lines can turn into solid ice. This ice takes up more room than liquid water and pushes against the walls of your plumbing. The pressure can cause metal or plastic lines to split wide open without you knowing it. We see many families discover they need a frozen-water-pipe repair as soon as the weather warms and the ice melts.
The most dangerous time for your plumbing is when the ground starts to thaw out in the spring. Ice inside the pipe acts as a solid plug, preventing water from leaking out of a crack. Once that ice melts, the water will spray out of any hole it finds. This can cause a large amount of water to enter your walls or floors in a very short time. Pace Plumbing suggests keeping a close eye on your home as the snow starts to disappear from your yard.
Why Water Lines Break During the Winter
Water is a very special substance because it gets bigger when it freezes into ice. Most other things get smaller when they get cold, but water does the opposite. This growth puts a lot of stress on the pipes that carry water to your sinks and showers. If the water has nowhere to go, the pipe will eventually reach its limit and break. This often happens in parts of the house that do not get much heat.
Crawlspaces and attics are common places where we find these issues during the winter months. Walls that face the outside of the house also stay much colder than walls in the middle of the home. Even a small draft of cold air hitting a pipe can cause it to freeze in a few hours. When the pipe breaks, it might happen in a spot that is very hard for you to see. Pace Plumbing recommends checking these hidden areas often during the coldest weeks of the year.
How do I fix a burst pipe in Spokane?
You must call Pace Plumbing to fix a burst pipe caused by the cold weather. We have the proper tools to cut out the broken section and replace it with new materials. Trying to patch a cracked pipe yourself often leads to bigger leaks later in the season. Our team ensures the new section is strong and fits perfectly with the rest of your plumbing.
What are the signs of a leaking pipe after a freeze?
Look for dark spots on your ceiling or walls that appear to be getting wet. You might also notice that the water coming out of your faucet is very weak or slow. Sometimes you will hear water running or dripping behind your drywall, even when all the taps are closed. Pace Plumbing can find the source of these leaks to prevent water damage to your home.
How do I stop water damage from a broken pipe?
Find your main water shut-off valve and turn it to the right until it stops. This valve is usually found in your basement or in a small box near the street. Turning this off stops the flow of water into your home so that the leak will stop. After the water is off, use a vacuum or towels to clean up any water on the floor. Keeping the area dry is the best way to keep your home safe from rot and mold.
Can I thaw my own pipes safely?
Pace Plumbing suggests leaving the faucets open slightly so the melting water has a place to escape. You should never use a torch or any open flame to heat your plumbing lines, as it can start a fire. A hair dryer can be used if you are very careful and keep it moving across the pipe. If the pipe is already broken, water will start spraying as soon as the ice melts.
Further Reading:
- Routine Drain Cleaning Helps Prevent Major Plumbing Problems
- How Clogged Drains Can Lead to Costly Water Heater Problems
Protecting Your Property From Water Damage
Pace Plumbing is here to help you recover from the cold weather and keep your home in top shape. We offer professional pipe thawing and repair services that you can rely on during the Spokane spring. Our goal is to fix your plumbing issues quickly so you can get back to your normal routine.
Contact us today if you are worried about a leak or need a professional frozen-water-pipe repair.