Central Ohio Frozen Pipes Repair & Prevention

Winter can hit Central Ohio with a vengeance, and frozen pipes are common. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home. Living in Central Ohio, Columbus, Dayton, or the surrounding areas comes with the risk of serious plumbing issues in cold weather. When pipes freeze, they can burst, so they must be thawed out carefully to minimize property damage.

Apex Pros is the plumbing company to trust for frozen pipe repair. Our plumbers are trained and equipped to handle any situation. They respond quickly and have the skills to diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution. We’ve helped homeowners throughout Central Ohio get through long, cold winters and stay warm and dry. Read Our 5 Star Reviews!

Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen and Need Immediate Attention

Aside from freezing and sub-zero temperatures, frozen pipes can be caused by inadequate insulation, which leaves them more susceptible to the cold. Exposed exterior pipes are most at risk. Strong winds in open areas can exacerbate the problem.

When you suspect a pipe has frozen, it’s important to act quickly. You might not be aware of the issue until the temperature rises above freezing, especially if the affected pipe is deep in a wall, in a crawl space, or under the foundation. These are some of the warning signs of frozen pipes that mean it’s time to call a plumber:

Decreased Water Pressure: If there’s less water flowing from faucets or none at all, ice may have formed in your pipes.
Frosty Pipes: Check pipes in basements and crawlspaces often. If there’s visible frost on the outside, the pipe is likely frozen.
Cold Surfaces: If a wall, floor, or ceiling feels unusually cold, a pipe behind it may be frozen and at risk of bursting.
Strange Noises: When using faucets and fixtures results in banging, cracking, or whistling sounds, your pipes may be filling with ice.
Drain Odors: One or several drains may release a strong smell if a pipe freezes and food, grease, or waste becomes trapped.
Visible Water Damage: Even a small leak can cause stains, mold growth, or peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper. Sagging or collapsing ceilings are an ominous sign.
Higher Water Bills: An increase in your water bill is sometimes the only sign of a leak from a cracked or burst pipe.

How Professionals Repair Frozen or Burst Pipes Safely

Waiting for a pipe to thaw on its own is a bad idea. Ice expands and creates pressure, causing small splits and disconnections that release a torrent of water once it melts. If you experience a deep freeze and parts of your home are unusually cold, be on alert for signs of a leak. It’s also a good idea to call a plumber if your plumbing hasn’t been checked in a while.

At Apex Pros, our technicians know how to thaw frozen pipes carefully. But first, they thoroughly inspect affected pipes, using techniques like video camera inspection, to determine the presence and scope of any damage. Aside from checking the integrity of pipes, they can perform emergency plumbing repairs on cold and hot water pipes as well as drainage lines. The process typically entails replacing damaged sections to prevent future problems.

Preventive Measures to Protect Pipes From Freezing in Winter

To protect your plumbing from frozen pipes, prevention is the best strategy. You can protect your home in winter with the following tips:

Install hose bibs to keep water out of exterior pipes, valves, and spigots so it doesn’t freeze.
Seal cracks or gaps in walls to stop cold air from reaching your plumbing.
Insulate your basement, crawlspace, and attic.
Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler pipes.
Disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses inside your home.
Protect boiler pipes by setting your thermostat to above 55℉.
Open undersink cabinet doors so warm air can circulate near pipes.
Bury underground pipes below the frost line and insulate them.

Emergency Response: What to Do When You Discover Frozen Pipes

If you discover a frozen pipe in your home, don’t try to thaw it out yourself. The ice may have already caused damage that’s not obvious. As soon as it starts melting, water may spray and flow all over the place.

Calling an emergency plumber is the best course of action. If you can, close the water main shut-off valve. Partially opening faucets connected to the affected pipe relieves pressure. Our professional plumbers have specialized pipe-thawing equipment to address the issue and the tools to check for damage and provide water line repair.

Pipe Insulation, Heat Tape, and Other Freeze Prevention Products

Follow the steps to winterize your home that we’ve mentioned. Additionally, various products on the market can help keep pipes from freezing. These are some of the most effective options:

Pipe Insulation: Available in foam sleeves or wraps, insulators are easily fitted around pipes to protect them from cold air.
Heat Tape/Cable: Installing heat tape or a cable is simple. It keeps the pipe warm. Many products turn off automatically and self-regulate for efficiency.
Faucet Covers: Use a slip-on cover to protect external spigots from freezing.
Freeze Sensors: These monitor temperature and send a warning when a pipe is in danger of freezing; some are capable of leak detection.

Licensed Plumbing Experts for Frozen Pipe Thawing & Repair

Our plumbers in Central Ohio are aware of what the winter cold can do to your pipes. They are fully licensed and trained in the latest pipe thawing and repair methods. If a pipe has burst, our team works quickly to minimize water damage and restore your plumbing system. Our vehicles are stocked full of tools and parts, so our technicians can quickly diagnose the issue and begin repairs. You’ll receive a clear explanation, a prompt estimate, and friendly service.

Transparent Pricing & Same-Day Service for Frozen Pipe Issues

A frozen or burst pipe may have hit you by surprise, but our bill won’t. We are fully transparent with pricing and detail the entire cost of the project at the start. What we quote is what you pay. And, there’s typically no wait time, as our plumbers are prepared to tackle any situation.

We also offer same-day frozen pipe repair. It’s one reason Central Ohio customers call us when they need a trusted local plumber.

Why Central Ohio Homeowners Trust Apex Pros for Frozen Pipe Solutions

Homeowners in Columbus, Dayton, Lancaster, Newark, and surrounding areas trust Apex Pros for many reasons. We deliver the highest level of service and can fix any problem, no matter how big or small, from patching small leaks to whole-house repiping, and we are committed to keeping you informed. Visit our Learning Center. Our team finds the best possible solution, whether it’s thawing out a pipe or providing any other plumbing repair.

Here are other reasons people choose Apex Pros: