Brr! As any Olathe resident already knows, the winters can get pretty cold around here. This year's proving no different, with highs in the single digits! That's bad news for a lot of reasons, but one of the last things you want to deal with when the temperature drops below 20°F is frozen pipes. Water left in your pipes can freeze to solid ice, causing blockages which lead to increased water pressure and, ultimately, to burst pipes. Frozen pipes can be a nightmare for homeowners, as even one burst pipe can quickly add up to a lot of damage.

So what should you do when your pipes freeze this winter? First, call a licensed Olathe plumber right away. Frozen pipes—or worse yet burst ones—are no job for the do-it-yourself home plumber. In a best-case scenario, you'll discover that your pipes are frozen before the pressure causes them to rupture. If it's cold outside and you're having trouble with faucets that won't flow and toilets that won't refill after flushing, then there's a good chance that you've got frozen pipes. If you can see your pipes, a bulging water line or one that is coated with frost on the outside are also good indicators of a frozen pipe.

If you're able to spot frozen pipes before they rupture, your local Olathe plumber can get them thawed out quickly and safely, without all the mess of a burst water line. Even if your pipes aren't leaking yet, though, there may still be ruptures. Ice in the pipes can act as a plug, so the real trouble doesn't begin until the ice starts to thaw. Just another reason to have your friendly neighborhood Olathe plumber on hand before the pipes are thawed out.

If you've got a burst pipe, or think you might have one on your hands before your Olathe plumber will arrive, you can mitigate some of the damages by shutting off the main water valve, clearing anything out of the affected areas, and mopping up as much of the water as possible using mops, sponges, wet/dry vacs, towels, or even old blankets. Make sure that the towels and blankets you put down aren't ones that you use very often, as they're probably going to get ruined.

Of course, the best thing to do for frozen pipes is to avoid having them in the first place. A licensed Olathe plumber can give you good tips on how to identify pipes that are at risk of freezing, and how to insulate pipes against cold temperatures. It's also a good idea to have your pipes inspected by a professional, who can point out potential problem areas before they turn into a big expense down the road.

Founded in 1980, Davenport Service Company has provided "Customer First" service in Johnson County, Kansas for over three decades. We provide 24/7 emergency service, preventive maintenance service, and seasonal tune-ups for commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems. If you're looking for a furnace tune-up in Olathe, call 913-441-2222 for hassle-free scheduling today!