Edmonton Frozen Pipe Repair

Edmonton homeowners know it can be difficult to determine the cause of plumbing problems they're experiencing. However, if the temperature is well below freezing and you’re only getting a small trickle of water when you turn on your tap, you're probably dealing with a frozen pipe.

Look for any signs of water infiltration to determine whether a frozen pipe has burst. Common signs include:

• Brown stains on your ceilings or walls
• Musty, damp smell
• Wet spots

If you see any of the above signs, call us and inquire about our frozen pipe repair in Edmonton.

It’s important to know what to do if your pipes freeze so you can take immediate action to prevent water damage. The first thing you should do is shut off your water supply by turning off your water shutoff valve. Once water flow has been blocked, turn on all your taps to drain the lines. This will reduce pressure and decrease the likelihood that your pipes will burst while you wait for your plumber to arrive for Edmonton frozen pipe repair service.

We don’t recommend waiting for your frozen pipes to thaw. If they freeze in the middle of winter, it’s unlikely that you’ll see temperatures above freezing within the next few days. Even if temperatures do rise slightly, it can take days for your pipes to thaw.

Additionally, the longer a pipe is left frozen, the greater the chance it’ll burst. Leaky pipes can result in thousands of dollars in repairs due to structural damage. One of the biggest consequences of water damage is wood rot, which is difficult to stop once it spreads.

If the frozen pipe is located anywhere on your Edmonton property, you’re responsible for it. In most cases, your home insurance policy won’t cover it. If your line is located somewhere reasonably accessible, your insurance company may deem it your fault for failing to take preventive maintenance steps to prevent freezing and bursting. On the other hand, if the frozen pipe is buried beneath your property, you may have some coverage—but this depends on your plan. Contact your insurance company for more information about frozen pipe repair in Edmonton.

Without going too deep into the science behind the process, frozen pipes occasionally burst due to increased pressure. Water molecules expand when they turn from liquid to solid. If there’s not enough space within the pipe to allow for this expansion, pressure will build, and a rupture may occur at a point of weakness.

For not just Edmonton frozen pipe repair, but any plumbing problem you’re experiencing, we strongly recommend that you give us a call as soon as you notice an issue. We can walk you through the steps to shut off the water flow and mitigate damage over the phone while you wait for our expert plumbers to arrive.

The longer you leave a plumbing problem unaddressed, the more likely it is to worsen and become a full-blown plumbing emergency. If you’re resistant to calling out of concern about costs, take advantage of our upfront pricing. We’ll send someone over to take a look and provide you with pricing. The decision of whether to go ahead with the service or wait is entirely yours.

The cost of thawing depends on the extent of the damage. Repair costs include labor, materials, and any emergency fees associated with winter repairs. Call us today to learn more about our upfront pricing and see the difference we can make for you today.

In most cases, pouring hot water down your drain is not a replacement for a professional Edmonton frozen pipe repair service. There are two main types of lines in your plumbing system: supply lines and drain lines. If freezing has occurred in your supply line, adding hot water won’t do a thing.

If the freezing occurred in a drain line, it’s unlikely to be near the drain in your sink or shower, since drains in your home should be well-heated. As the water goes down the drain line, it cools. By the time it reaches the frozen blockage, it will have cooled so much that it won’t thaw the frozen water effectively. You’ll need professional frozen pipe repair to address this blockage.

Whether you’re concerned about your water line or drain lines from freezing in your garage, crawl spaces or other exposed areas, there are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of this occurring:

• Insulate your pipes: This is undoubtedly the best way to protect your lines. Today, we use PEX for plumbing repairs and installations because of its resistance to temperature fluctuations, but if you live in an older home, you probably have copper pipes. Insulating these will protect them from freezing and bursting.
• Turn up your thermostat: Though it will add to your utility bill, the cost will be much lower than the cost of repairing any damage from a burst frozen pipe.
• Keep your cabinets open: This promotes air circulation and protects the pipes in them.
• Keep your faucets on: Like turning up your thermostat, keeping your faucets trickling will increase your utility bill. However, it’s a good option if you’re not ready to invest in insulation yet.
• Invest in a space heater: If you don’t have any heating in your garage, plug one in to keep the temperature below freezing.

Edmonton homeowners can depend on us to provide the following services alongside frozen pipe repair:

• Drain cleaning services
• HydroScrub^® Jetting
• Sewer backup services
• Bathroom remodeling
• Drain repair
• Faucet repair
• Leaking pipe repair services
• Sump pump installation
• Gas line repair
• And much more!

Edmonton plumbers use electric pipe thawers, heat guns, infrared heating lamps, and thermal imaging to safely locate and thaw frozen pipes without causing damage. By enlisting professional services for thawing, you'll prevent pipe bursts caused by improper heat application, reducing emergency repairs by over 60% in cold climates.

Yes, there is a difference in repair and thawing techniques for frozen water supply lines versus drain lines.

Frozen water supply lines are typically pressurized pipes that carry water to fixtures, so the main concern is safely thawing them to avoid bursts or leaks and to minimize pressure buildup. Techniques usually involve gentle heat applied gradually, such as:

• Applying warm (not boiling) water or heat with devices like hair dryers or heat tape wrapped around the pipe.
• Avoiding sudden temperature shocks by pouring hot water slowly.
• Turning off the main water supply before thawing reduces the risk of pressure.
• Using heating cables or electric pipe wraps for ongoing protection.
• Inspecting for leaks or cracks after thawing, since pressurized pipes can burst if damaged.

In contrast, frozen drain lines usually carry wastewater and are not pressurized, so the approach focuses on clearing ice blockages inside the pipes without pressure concerns. Techniques include the following:

• Pouring boiling water mixed with salt slowly into the drain to melt the ice.
• Using gentle heat sources, such as hair dryers or heat guns, directed at the pipe.
• Carefully using specialized tools such as nested pipes to pour hot water directly into clogged drain lines.
• Avoiding open flames or rapid temperature changes to prevent pipe damage.

Coverage depends on the cause and circumstances of the damage. Damage from burst frozen pipes in heated portions of the home could be covered, but neglect or absence during freezing may void claims. Up to 80% of winter water damage claims in Alberta involve frozen pipes, and coverage is contingent on maintenance and occupancy conditions (Insurance Bureau of Canada). The best course of action is to contact your insurance broker before winter to confirm your coverage specifics and any exclusions.

When freezing temperatures settle in, get one of our expert plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton out to your property as soon as possible by giving us a call. We have the years of experience needed for the job. Not in a rush? You can also fill out our online job estimate request form, and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can.

If you have frozen or burst pipes, you need to get them fixed right away to minimize damage and interruptions to your daily routine. Don’t risk paying exorbitant costs that greatly exceed the estimate by going with another company. Take advantage of our upfront pricing and service guarantee when you choose us for your Edmonton frozen pipe repair service.