Should I Turn Off the Water If the Pipes Are Frozen?

Frozen pipes often burst and create a huge mess in homes. Navigating this common plumbing issue leads homeowners to ask experts many questions, including, "Should I turn off the water if the pipes are frozen?" The team at King's Services breaks down this issue and explains what you can do to minimize damage in this helpful guide. 



Reach out to their friendly specialists if you need experienced plumbers in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

When the temperature plummets, it's crucial to keep your home warm not just for your comfort but for your plumbing system. Frigid temperatures can cause your water pipes to freeze which puts them at risk for bursting. When pipes freeze, the water inside them turns to ice and causes the pipe material to expand. 

This expansion can be severe enough to break the pipe or it may cause a small crack which means you'll have a water leak once the pipes thaw. Both burst pipes and minor leaks present plenty of dangers, including:

• Ruined belongings: Imagine having water constantly flowing outside your pipes and into your home. As the water accumulates, it can soak your carpets, furniture, and other personal belongings that you'll have to replace. 
• Structural damage: Heavy amounts of water that seep into your floors can impact your home's foundation. If the foundation becomes unstable, you risk significant structural damage. 
• Mold growth: Water damage comes with the risk of mold sprouting on affected surfaces. Mold exposure contributes to many health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions. 

If your pipes burst or leak, call a plumber immediately to restore your plumbing system and minimize the damage. 

Are Your Pipes Frozen? Shut Off Your Water Supply 

Ask any plumber, "Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?" and they'll immediately tell you, "Yes." Locate your main water line and switch the shut-off valve so the flow of water stops. By doing this, you'll reduce the amount of pressure that builds inside your frozen pipes. 

The water already inside the pipes could cause them to expand upon freezing, though shutting off the water supply prevents significant pressure inside the pipes that may result in them bursting. After you shut off water at the main source, inspect all of the pipes in your home for damage. Contact a plumbing professional if you spot cracks or holes within the pipes. 

An expert will need to thaw the pipes and replace them so you can avoid major water damage. 

How Plumbers Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes

If your pipes are frozen but appear to have no damage, you might think that you can blast your heat and quickly thaw the pipes. However, plumbers follow a certain technique when thawing frozen pipes. Attempting to thaw them without following these steps could lead to more damage. 

Open the Connected Faucet

After shutting off your water supply, plumbers will locate the frozen section of pipes and then turn on the faucet that connects to that pipe. Are you wondering, "Why should I turn off the water if the pipes are frozen but turn the faucet on?" Experts swear by this method because shutting off the main water source prevents pressure buildup, while opening the faucet allows water to quickly flow out of the pipe once it thaws. 

Use Gradual Heat

Canada's vast pipelines transporting oil and natural gas provide you with enough resources to heat your home during the winter. However, blasting your heater in hopes of thawing frozen pipes isn't ideal. It's better to apply gradual heat to the pipes using smaller items like a hair dryer or space heater. 

Avoid using extreme heat, as this can damage certain pipe materials. 

How To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Any expert will tell you that shutting off your water supply if you have frozen pipes can reduce the chances of them bursting. While this is a necessary and safe way to address frozen pipes, you want to avoid pipe freezing in the first place. How can you prevent frozen pipes in your home?

The following tips should help you avoid the dangers of frozen pipes. 

Keep Your Heat On

Leave your heat running throughout the winter if you want to prevent your pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to a temperature that will keep you comfortable and distribute heat throughout the house. Even if your home is vacant for an extended period, you'll need to play it safe and keep the heat on at a lower setting to prevent the pipes from bursting. 

Insulate Your Pipes

Along with, "Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?" one of the most common questions homeowners ask plumbers is, "How can I keep the pipes warm in the winter?" While your home's heater plays an important role, the heat from the furnace doesn't always reach pipes hidden in cabinets. Insulating the pipes ensures that they retain heat during the coldest stretch of the year. 

Wrap the pipes with a protective foam material that helps them remain warm all winter. Insulating the pipes is a simple yet effective solution if you're looking to save money on your heating costs but don't want to compromise your plumbing system. 

Don't Forget Outdoor Water Sources

Unlike the pipes in your home, outdoor water sources aren't immune from freezing temperatures. If water remains in any outdoor faucets, it can freeze and put pressure on your indoor pipes. Before winter weather arrives, disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets and drain all of the water from them. 

You can place a protective cover over the faucet for the season and remove it as the weather turns warmer. 

Contact King's Services for Professional Plumbing Solutions

After reading through this information, you no longer have to wonder, "Should I turn off the water if the pipes are frozen?" The experts at King's Services are here to help if you face a plumbing disaster but are also happy to give you tips for preventing pipe bursts. 

Submit our online contact form or call 431-532-5623 to speak with a plumbing specialist and request service.