Frozen Pipe Prevention & Repair
Western New York winters bring frigid temperatures. When the water outside begins to freeze, the water inside your pipes can, too.
The worst part? A burst pipe doesn’t wait around to happen when it’s convenient – they can happen at any time when temperatures drop below freezing.
Don’t wait until your pipes are frozen – call Capital. Our frozen pipe prevention services can thaw frozen pipes and prevent future ones, saving your home from costly water and structural damage.
If a burst occurs or your piping is already frozen, just call Capital. Our 24/7 emergency repair services are available to fix your urgent plumbing emergencies whenever you need.
Frozen Pipe Prevention: Our Process
Pipes exposed to extreme cold are often outdoors, or in unheated or uninsulated areas. When piping freezes or bursts, plumbers use a broad range of tools and techniques to thaw it out and fix the damage, including:
- Pipe-thawing machines
- High-pressure water jets
- Pipe replacement
If you suspect a freeze or burst in your home’s piping, just call Capital.
How You Can Identify and Prevent Frozen Pipes
Pipes can freeze whenever the weather gets too cold, but it’s possible to stop them before they start. Adding insulation to attics and crawlspaces, draining swimming pools or sprinkler lines, and using products like pipe sleeves are all great ways to prevent your pipes from freezing.
If a section of your home’s piping freezes, there are some easy ways to tell:
- Noticeable water damage in your home, like wet or cold spots on your walls or floors, similar to a water leak.
- Reduced water flow in faucets, sprinklers, or hoses.
- Unusual whistling or banging sounds are heard from your pipes.
- Visible frost, condensation, or cracks in your piping.
- If a pipe has burst, you will likely notice puddles of standing water or dampness.
If you notice any of these signs, call Capital immediately to detect the frozen piping and thaw it. This is especially important if you see pooling water in your home, as it could indicate a burst pipe.
Prevent Frozen Pipes & Plumbing Emergencies With Our Snowbird Package
Frozen or bursting pipes are an all-too-common cause of home water leaks. With our Snowbird Plumbing Package, we’ll equip your home with everything needed to warn you of a burst pipe or water leak. This is especially important if you leave your home for long periods; no one wants to come home to expensive water damage.
This comprehensive package includes everything you’ll need to not only identify a leak when it starts, but also stop it until help arrives. You’ll also get installation and continued maintenance by our expert technicians.
No matter where you are or how cold it gets outside, you’ll never worry about a burst pipe while you’re away.
Battery-Operated Leak Detectors
For immediate water-leak detection, three battery-operated leak detectors are installed in your home’s leak-vulnerable areas. When a leak is detected, they close the main water valve.
WiFi Sump Pump Monitor
Installed near your sump pump, this Wi-Fi-enabled monitor actively tracks the sump basin’s water level. You’ll be instantly alerted when the water level gets too high or other issues occur.
Moen “Flo” Waterline Shut-Off Valve
Moen’s Flo Waterline Shutoff Valve allows homeowners to remotely control their piping’s shut-off valves through their phone by using a Wi-Fi connection. All you need is the device installed and a Moen subscription.
Frozen Pipe FAQs
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If I notice visible signs of a frozen pipe, can I thaw it myself?
While you’ll need a professional to thaw frozen pipes effectively, there are certainly measures homeowners can take to help. Applying a hair dryer to your visibly frozen pipes can help gradually thaw them out, although it’s not as efficient as the specialized equipment of a plumbing service. -
Do burst pipes always need to be replaced?
While burst pipes often need to be replaced, this isn’t always the case. It all depends on the extent of the damage. While a patch can easily repair a small crack from an accessible location, more significant damage likely needs replacement for a lasting, effective fix. -
If my pipes freeze, should I turn off my water?
Yes! In fact, during the winter season, it’s usually a good idea to preemptively turn your water off if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period. -
Can frozen pipes cause a drain clog?
While they’re not the only cause, if your drain appears to be clogged and the temperatures outside are freezing, a frozen pipe could be to blame. While usually we associate frozen pipes with the flow of water into our home, they can affect our drainage systems too!