My Pipes are Frozen!

Robbie Balla • February 28, 2025

How to deal with frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are every homeowner's winter nightmare. Not only can they restrict access to essential water, but they can also lead to burst pipes and costly repairs if not addressed quickly. While Southern Ontario winters can be relentless, knowing the right steps to take can save you from significant damage and stress.

Here’s a guide to help homeowners, renters, and DIY enthusiasts tackle frozen pipes safely and effectively.

How to Identify Frozen Pipes

The first step is recognizing the problem. Here are common signs your pipes might be frozen:

No Running Water: If you open a faucet and nothing (or just a trickle) comes out, the pipe feeding that faucet may be frozen.
Frost on Pipes: Visible frost or ice on exposed pipes is a red flag.
Unusual Sounds: Bubbling, whistling, or clanking sounds in pipes could indicate blockages caused by ice.
Strange Odors: A backup of odors in your home might signal that a frozen pipe is obstructing proper drainage.

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

Dealing with frozen pipes promptly is critical, but it’s important to take the right precautions to avoid further damage.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you do anything else, locate your home's main water shut-off valve and turn it off. This step helps prevent water from bursting out if the pipe cracks or thaws unexpectedly.

2. Locate the Frozen Section

Check exposed pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, and under sinks. If the frozen section is behind walls or out of sight, you may need to call in a professional plumber to avoid damaging your home while accessing the pipe.

3. Open Faucets

Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe slightly. This allows water to flow out as the ice melts, alleviating pressure inside the pipe.

4. Apply Gentle Heat

Never use an open flame or high heat source, as this can damage pipes or cause a fire. Instead, opt for safer methods:

Use a hairdryer to apply gentle heat to the frozen area.
Wrap the pipe in warm towels soaked in hot water, reapplying as needed.
Use an electric heating pad or infrared lamp aimed at the frozen section.

Start from the faucet and work your way toward the frozen area to ensure melted ice can drain out.

5. Call a Professional

If you’re unable to locate or thaw the frozen pipe—or if the pipe is already cracked—contact a professional plumber at A Rescue Rooter immediately. Companies like A Rescue Rooter specialize in resolving issues like these quickly and safely, minimizing potential damage to your home.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Being proactive can save you time and money down the road. Here’s how to protect your pipes during the colder months:

Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in insulation sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm.
Seal Gaps: Caulk and seal any cracks or holes in your home's walls, floors, or foundation to prevent drafts.
Leave Faucets Dripping: On freezing nights, leave faucets dripping slightly to keep water moving through your pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.
Keep Your Home Warm: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you're away, and keep your thermostat at 55°F (around 13°C) or higher.
Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and in cabinetry by keeping the doors slightly open.

When to Call A Rescue Rooter

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes—or want to ensure your home is winter-ready—A Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario is here to help. Whether it’s thawing frozen pipes, repairing a burst, or preventative maintenance, our team of experienced professionals has you covered.

Freezing temperatures can be daunting for homeowners and renters alike, but quick action and the right help can make all the difference. Don’t wait until the problem worsens—reach out to A Rescue Rooter today to safeguard your home during the cold months.

Need Help Now?

For emergency frozen pipe services, contact A Rescue Rooter at 905-521-8284. Your peace of mind is just a call away at anytime without a Premium Charge.

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A person is adjusting a valve on a heating system.

The Water Pressure at Home is Dropping

By Robbie Balla • April 28, 2025

Low water pressure is more than just an inconvenience—it can be a sign of a deeper plumbing issue. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, running the dishwasher, or trying to enjoy a relaxing shower, reduced water pressure disrupts your daily routines and could point to hidden problems in your home’s plumbing system. But how do you know when it’s time to call a professional plumber? Here’s a detailed guide to help homeowners and plumbers decide the right course of action when the water pressure starts to drop. Common Causes of Low Water Pressure Mineral Build-up in Pipes Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate inside your plumbing pipes, reducing the flow of water. Areas with hard water are particularly prone to this problem, and once it starts, it tends to worsen if left unaddressed. Leaky Pipes A hidden leak in your plumbing system can drastically reduce water pressure. Not only does this waste water (and increase your bill), but it can also cause significant property damage if not handled quickly. Clogged Fixtures Sometimes, the issue lies in your faucets or showerheads. Dirt, debris, or limescale can clog fixtures, reducing the water flow. While this is often something you can fix yourself, it’s important to rule out more serious causes. Faulty Pressure Regulator If your water pressure is fluctuating or uniformly low, the pressure regulator might be faulty. This part ensures your water pressure remains at a safe, functional level, so any issues with it need immediate attention. Main Water Line Problems Sometimes, low water pressure originates outside your home. Damage to your main water line, aging utility infrastructure, or municipal water supply issues can affect overall pressure. When Should You Call A Rescue Rooter While some causes of low water pressure are simple enough to tackle on your own, others require the expertise of a professional. Here are some scenarios when calling a plumber—like Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario—is your best bet: 1. You Can’t Find the Source of the Problem If you’ve checked for clogged fixtures, leaks, or a failing pressure regulator and can’t identify the issue, it’s time to call in the pros. A professional plumber has the tools and experience to diagnose the root cause quickly. 2. You Suspect a Hidden Leak Water leaks aren’t always obvious; they may occur behind walls, under floors, or in your outdoor plumbing. If your water pressure is dropping and you notice damp patches, unexplained water bills, or musty odors, a plumber should investigate immediately. 3. The Entire Home is Affected If the water pressure is low throughout the house (not just in one or two fixtures), this could be a sign of a larger issue, such as a damaged main water line or a problem with your pressure regulator. 4. There’s a Sudden and Significant Drop A sudden drop in water pressure can indicate a burst pipe or other significant damage. This requires immediate attention to prevent further harm to your home. 5. DIY Fixes Aren’t Working Tried cleaning the faucet or replacing parts but still facing low water pressure? Don’t waste time—call a plumber who can address the underlying problem effectively. Why Choose A Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario? If you’re a homeowner in Southern Ontario dealing with low water pressure, Rescue Rooter is your go-to solution. Our experienced team specializes in tackling a variety of plumbing problems, ensuring your home’s water pressure returns to peak performance quickly. Here’s what sets us apart: Expert Diagnosis – We use state-of-the-art tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your low water pressure. Quick & Reliable Service – Enjoy responsive and professional solutions tailored to your needs. Local Expertise – Based in Southern Ontario, we understand the specific challenges homeowners in the area face. Customer Satisfaction – We pride ourselves on transparency, fair pricing, and exceptional service. Don’t Wait—Act Now! Ignoring low water pressure can lead to bigger, costlier repairs down the line. If your attempts to fix the issue haven’t worked or you suspect a more serious problem, it’s time to consult a professional. Contact Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario at 905-521-824 today and restore your home’s water pressure back to normal.