Frozen Pipes in Toronto

Frozen pipes can cause major damage to your Toronto home and need to be taken care of immediately. Our specialized plumbing and heating equipment will have your pipes free and clear in a second. At Ray Plumbing we have smart and modern solutions for your home to help prevent re-freezing of the pipes.

What to do if pipes are frozen:

If pipes in your house are frozen, below are five things you should do and one thing you should NOT do:

• You should keep the faucet open. As the frozen area starts to dissolve, water will flow and running water will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to frozen area using an electric heating pad covered around the pipe, an electric hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water.
• Use a portable space heater, kept away from flammable materials, to warm up under the house (Never leave the heater unattended).
• Apply heat until full water pressure is reestablished. You can then place a towel around the pipe to keep it warm.
• If you are not able find the frozen area, if the area is not reachable, or if you cannot defrost the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device as these are fire hazard.

If you try these and it does not work, contact your local plumber. Plumbers at Ray plumbing are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist you with any plumbing issue you may have including fixing and repairing frozen pipes during the cold and freezing winter season. Contact us at our Emergency number (416)876-6679..

How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing:

When temperature starts falling, the risk of your pipes being frozen and bursting is high. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during cold weather and can cause thousands in water damage, easily $4,500 or more. The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls are potential to freeze.
The good thing is that there are some simple things you may do to keep your water running and your house dry.

Here’s what to do in conserving water and heat:

• Keep garage doors closed, mainly if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Yet again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature not lower than 55° F.
• For the long term, add lining to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will preserve higher temperatures in those areas. And to avoid drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.