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So we've now had the plumber out 3x this month to unfreeze our kitchen and laundry sinks - yay. Plan is to now dribble the water until things warm up in, say, a week. Obviously we want to get to the bottom of WHY the pipes are freezing - the sinks are on exterior walls, so that seems likely. Who can we get to come in and asses the situation and add insulation or what have you? The plumber didn't think it was him, as it'd involve either removing siding from the outside or cutting into the back of the cabinets to get at the pipes. It'd also be nice if said person could tell us if the water pipes run under the slab or if they come through the attic!
Any idea on what sort of person to start calling? A contractor? A not-big-chain plumber?
You might even be able to have them installed by Ace or Home Depot.
Running the water helps, too. Be sure and run the hot water, as it actually freezes faster than cold water. Sounds completely bizarre, I know, but is true. The hot water pipe to my washing machine would always freeze before the cold water one.
You've called the plumber three time this winter. Of course he's not willing to fix what's causing it. He's making money off of you calling to unfreeze your pipes. Even if he doesn't want to do drywall, etc., he definitely knows where they are freezing and the answer to where the pipes lead. He's not telling you because he makes money off of your not knowing. Thawing pipes yourself is easy to do. In the process, your will learn the way your house is built and will quickly know where the work needs to be done.
I'm a licensed master plumber and this is, indeed, something a competent plumber should be able to solve for you. The rub is that it may not be a simple fix.
The first thing that must be determined is where the pipes are run. In almost every area of the US which experience freezing temperatures there are codes dictating how and where water distribution pipe can be run so as to prevent freezing and ruptures due to cold temperatures. If everything is found to be OK in regard to where the pipes are run and properly insulated/protected, etc., then we have to determine why they are freezing up on you.
Is this a constant problem? Every winter? Same place every time?
I have seen a number of situations where due to some of these extreme cold snaps we've had plumbing which has never had a problem will freeze. Sometimes it's a simple fix. For example, a common cause is a crawlspace vent which is left open. Other times, particularly in older homes, insulation can deteriorate and fall apart and no longer be able to do it's job. There are numerous other potential causes.
My advice is to call a local plumber, not one of the big "flat rate" shops. Those shops tend to run their guys more like commission paid sales people. Pick someone who has been in the area long term as he will be more familiar with the conditions you are dealing with.
In the mean time, there are a few things you can do if extremely cold temperatures are expected.
As others have mentioned you can crack open the faucets. Both sides, hot and cold, for it to do any good. Let it run as a small stream, not just a drip.
Open any cabinet doors below the sink(s) to allow warm air in. If you have one particular sink that is known to be a problem, you can use a small space heater set up facing into the cabinet beneath it. Just use common sense about safety with the heater.
If you have an exposed run of pipe, in a crawl space say, which is prone to freezing, electric pipe cable (heating cable) can help. Bear in mind this cable shouldn't be used IN a wall unless approved for it. Fire danger.
Close off any attic, basement, or crawlspace vents when freezing temps are expected. You can also block them off with insulation or even cardboard to prevent drafts. Just don't forget to open them back up once the weather warms up.
Perhaps most importantly, if you plan to be out of town or away from home during the winter months, have a competent plumber drain and winterize the house. At a minimum, shut off the water where it enters the home. This can prevent a major flood if a pipe were to freeze and rupture while you're away.
Good luck, and I hope you're able to find a good plumber to get squared away!
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