Frozen pipes? How to minimize damage before a Vermont plumber arrives

Vermont winters can be brutal to pipes. 

But contrary to popular belief, it is not the ice that causes a pipe to burst. It is the pressure caused by the expansion of the ice. Either way, a burst pipe can be an absolute disaster. You should call a Vermont plumber right away. The average homeowner can spend between $3,000 to $4,000 cleaning up a burst pipe. 

Here is what you need to do and how to best handle a frozen pipe emergency before the plumber arrives.

Turn off your water main

First, turn off the water at the source. You need to turn off the electricity if the leak has reached any electrical sockets or the fuse box.

The main water shut-off is likely somewhere in your home — close to the water heater, in the basement or crawl space. You might find it under the kitchen sink. If all else fails, look under the metal lid on your property close to the street.

Turn on a faucet

Your next step is to turn on a faucet. This will drain the remaining water from the pipes. Then flush the toilet repeatedly. Eventually, this will cause the leak to stop.

Call a Vermont plumber

If you have not done so already, call a Vermont plumber. The busted pipe will need to be replaced by a licensed professional. 

But in a cold freeze, plumbers in Vermont can be hard to find. Frozen pipes are common. That is why you should call Plumbers 911. We are a referral network of licensed plumbing contractors. We can send an emergency plumber to your Vermont home fast!

Let in warm air

Next, do whatever you can to warm your home. Turn up the thermostat. Open cupboard, cabinet and vanity drawers so warm air circulates the pipes. If you know where the pipe is frozen, you might warm that spot with a hair dryer. 

Ask a plumber to insulate your pipes

To prevent pipes from freezing in the future, ask a licensed plumber to insulate your pipes. They can apply pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes. They can also repair or replace older, weak pipes that might burst.

Need an emergency plumber? Call Plumbers 911 in Vermont!

If you need an emergency plumber fast, call Plumbers 911! We are a referral network of licensed plumbing contractors in Vermont. 

All of our Vermont Licensed Plumbers are highly trained and fully vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Call Plumbers 911 at 802-392-2677 for a trusted Licensed Plumber today!