Austin Commercial Pipe Repair
Fixing Frozen Pipes and Providing Solutions for Broken Water Lines in San Antonio & The Surrounding Areas
Many Texas residents have found ourselves dealing with frozen pipes at a level we have never seen before. As we have experienced firsthand, many of the pipes in Texas are ill-equipped for the frigid temperatures of the season. Poorly insulated pipes might be to blame.
The reason pipes can burst when met with frozen water is because frozen water has the tendency to expand more than liquefied water. When this expansion occurs, the water in the pipes can become clogged and cause a host of issues.
More specifically, the pressure between the faucet and the blockage builds up enough that it causes an explosion. This inhibits your ability to access running water, and if the pipe bursts outside, it could create dangerous walking conditions nearby. If you think your pipes might have frozen, but you are not sure, look out for these telltale signs of frozen pipes:
- Water is not coming out of your faucet.
This is one of the first, most obvious signs that you have a frozen pipe situation on your hands. If your pipes are not producing water, you will likely need to seek plumbing repair, whether the pipes are frozen or not. The most common scenario is that water has frozen in at least a portion of the pipe and has prevented the running process from functioning as it should.
- Exposed pipes are covered in an icy residue.
If you have exposed pipes that are visible, they might be covered in icy residue if they have frozen. They could also have a coating of condensation on the frozen section. The most vulnerable pipe areas are those located under flooring, in the basement, or in the outside walls.
- You notice a strong sewer smell.
If the sewer line is frozen, it can produce a strong sewer smell. This is also common with a frozen septic tank. It is important to be proactive and identify the source of the smell because sewer gases can harm your health and your plumbing system.
- You notice strange sounds coming from the pipes.
When pipes are frozen, they tend to emit strange sounds, such as clanging, gurgling, and banging. This happens when a part of the pipe is dented or damaged, causing the opening to be too small for water to pass through, resulting in that sound.
- You notice the pipe has become cracked.
When the pressure inside the pipe builds up due to freezing water, it can crack and cause some serious damage. The more the water in the pipes freeze, the more likely it is that your pipes will crack or burst. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent pipes from bursting. This includes letting cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes and keeping the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night. Regular plumbing upkeep can also keep your pipes in good condition to withstand temperature changes.
What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen
Frozen pipes are destructive because of the expansive nature of frozen water. It means that your plumbing, which is already under a lot of pressure, has to contain a substance larger than itself. We know what This is why, if your pipes are frozen, it is important to get help from professionals like the plumbing team at Coppera, LLC. Fixing the problem as soon as possible will prevent you from having to get a repiping service and an entirely new plumbing installation.
When our team of Austin commercial pipe repair plumbers solve the issue of frozen pipes, our first priority will be to identify the cause of the freeze. We will first want to shut off the water supply to that section of the plumbing. Typically, we will also drain all of the water remaining in the building by opening faucets to the sink, shower, tub, and flushing each toilet once. One of the ways we can go about fixing your frozen pipes would be by applying a heat gun to thaw them. After this point, the water tends to spill, so we must always be prepared for a clean-up. As we restore the functionality of the plumbing in the building, we will look out for any leaks or additional issues and make sure the water is running as it should.
What to Do if Your Pipes Burst
In addition to frozen water, the following factors can lead to broken or burst pipes:
- Tree roots
- Blocked pipes
- High water pressure
- Old pipes
- Ground movements like earthquakes
- Incorrectly laid pipework
- Improper pipe connections
If you find yourself with broken or burst pipes, the team at Coppera, LLC is qualified to repair the damage. We will free you from the stress and inconvenience that comes with lack of access to running water. In addition, we also provide comprehensive camera pipe inspections to help spot any parts of your home’s pipes that may need repair.
Although this process might seem overwhelming, one bright side to keep in mind is that upgrading the pipework in your building can increase the building’s resell value. It might seem like a big project, but our team will take much of the burden off your shoulders. Once you schedule an appointment with our friendly, accommodating plumbers, we will work diligently until your needs are met.
If you are located in the Austin or San Antonio area and your pipes are frozen or burst, call Coppera, LLC at or contact us online. We will restore your plumbing and your peace of mind.
