What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

John J.

Local meteorologists have used the “s” word…snow…and we’ve seen plenty of freezing temperatures already in 2021. If your plumbing is affected by this winter weather, your first step is to call All City Plumbers, your 24 emergency plumbing contractors in Birmingham, AL. We will respond as quickly as possible, but what can you do in the meantime? We want to give you some steps for dealing with frozen or burst pipes if you unfortunately ever have to experience them.

Frozen Pipes

This is what to do if your pipes freeze and haven’t burst. Typically you’ll notice this if your water barely comes out of a faucet or not at all.

The main thing is this- DO NOT let them thaw on their own over time. That can easily lead to them bursting, which is not only damaging but costly too.

Follow these steps to thaw your pipes:

Step 1- Turn on your interior water faucets. This is so that you can see water coming out indicating that you’ve found the frozen pipes and are successfully melting the ice. Also, moving water speeds up the thawing process.

Step 2- Find the frozen pipes. Look in places that aren’t heated as well, like a crawl space or under a sink that’s along the exterior wall. If you can’t find the culprit and are starting to suspect that it may be in an exterior wall, contact All City Plumbers.

Step 3- If you’re able to find the frozen pipe(s), safely apply heat. Some frequently used methods include these:

Electric heat pads
Hair dryers
Portable space heaters
Towels soaked in hot water

Remember, water and electricity are a dangerous combo, so use extreme caution when using anything electric. And whatever you do, DO NOT use ANYTHING with an open flame- lighter, blowtorch, candles, etc- to thaw the pipes.

Burst Pipes

What if, unfortunately, the pipe(s) actually burst? That’s a whole different and much worse situation. Here are some things you are able to do to minimize the water damage until we arrive. These are quick ways to keep water from ruining or damaging more belongings in your home.

Before anything else, turn off the water supply. You don’t need more water coming into the system. Wait to turn the water back on until the Plumb One plumber that comes over says you are able to.
Call All City Plumbers at 855-266-7682. Do this as soon as you are able to. If possible, have someone in your family call us while you turn off the water. We will get to you as soon as we can. Your All City Plumbers plumber can diagnose the cause, talk solutions, and fix the problem.
Clean up any mess. Get water soaked up quickly to avoid excess water damage. Some water damage is inevitable when a pipe bursts, but the sooner you dry things up, the less likely you experience irreparable damage. Fast cleanup also ensures mold and mildew don’t grow. Get things dry as soon as possible.
Drain faucets. Drain your faucets to remove the water left in the system. Water removal takes some of the pressure off the pipes. Flush toilets multiple times to drain the water out.
Keep interior doors open and heat on. This will circulate warm air, which will help warm the pipes as well assist in drying the space.
Use alternative repair methods if necessary. Repair sleeves, or using rubber, a wood piece, and a clamp can temporarily fix a burst pipe for a short-term situation. Place a piece of rubber on the burst area, cover it with a wood block, then clamp it all together. This keeps the water in the pipe for a short time until your All City Plumbers arrives. If you’re uncomfortable or unfamiliar with these temporary fixes, don’t attempt them as they could lead to a worsening problem.

Prevention

As with most things, prevention is key. Many plumbing issues, including frozen and burst pipes can be prevented and/or avoided. Occasional plumbing maintenance checks can make a world of difference. We’re able to identify any potential problem areas and insulate pipes that may be prone to freezing. You can help prevent frozen pipes too and you’re probably already familiar with several ways to do that. As a brief refresher-

Keep faucets barely dripping when the temperature stays below freezing
Keep cabinet doors under sinks open so that the warm air reaches the pipes
Cover up outdoor spigots
Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces or outdoors

Remember your 24 emergency plumbing contractors,All City Plumbers, are here and ready to come to the rescue whenever you’re dealing with frozen or burst pipes that need immediate attention! Contact us !

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Choosing Plumbing Materials: Copper, PEX, PVC, & Other Options

by Hadi Masood • 12 December 2025

Guide to choosing plumbing materials: copper, PEX, PVC pros/cons, tankless water heater compatibility, and drain clearing tips from All City Plumbers.

When to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

by Hadi Masood • 11 December 2025

Deciding when to repair or replace your water heater is a vital consideration that impacts home comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Water heaters are essential household appliances that provide hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning, and their performance can significantly influence utility costs and quality of life. Understanding the signs that indicate repair or replacement needs, as well as evaluating the conditions favoring each option, enables homeowners to make informed decisions. This comprehensive article covers these aspects in detail, incorporating valuable information from professionals such as All City Plumbers, insights from tankless water heaters, and the importance of emergency services for critical situations. Recognizing Signs That Repair is Needed Water heaters, like any mechanical system, may experience malfunctions or inefficiencies over time. Early identification of repair needs can extend the life of the unit and prevent costly replacements. Common signs requiring repair include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises such as rumbling or popping caused by sediment buildup, water leaks near the tank or connections, and longer than usual recovery times for heating. Ignoring these symptoms can exacerbate damage, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs. Homeowners should prioritize regular maintenance inspections, ideally conducted by trusted professionals such as All City Plumbers, who can diagnose issues comprehensively and recommend effective repair strategies. In some cases, simple fixes like replacing thermostats or flushing mineral deposits restore functionality efficiently without necessitating full replacement. When Replacement Becomes the Best Option Despite repairs, there comes a time when replacing a water heater is more cost-effective and safer than patching existing problems. Factors influencing the decision to replace include the age of the unit—typically over 10 to 15 years for traditional tanks—repeated and escalating repair costs, inconsistent water quality, and significant leaks that compromise structural integrity. Additionally, adopting new technologies can justify replacement. Tankless water heaters insights reveal their advantages in energy efficiency, longer service life, and space-saving designs compared to conventional models. Upgrading to a tankless system presents opportunities for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption and enjoy continuous hot water. Professional plumbers, including All City Plumbers, can provide expert evaluations to identify ideal replacement systems tailored to household needs and budgets. Safety Concerns and Emergency Services A malfunctioning water heater can pose safety hazards such as leaks that damage property or, in the case of gas-powered units, risks of carbon monoxide leaks or explosions. Recognizing emergency signs—unusual smells, visible corrosion, or sudden loss of hot water—requires immediate attention. In these instances, accessing emergency services is crucial to prevent injuries or extensive damage. Emergency response teams dispatched by experienced plumbing services expedite diagnosis and mitigate risks, often providing temporary solutions such as shutoff assistance or temporary heating options while permanent repairs or replacements are scheduled. Homeowners are encouraged to establish relationships with reputable providers like All City Plumbers to ensure prioritized emergency support when critical. Maintenance and Longevity Considerations Regular maintenance positively influences whether a water heater can be repaired or requires replacement. Tasks like flushing the tank, inspecting anode rods, and checking for leaks enhance efficiency and delay deterioration. Maintenance regimens tailored to specific systems, including tankless water heaters, further optimize performance and longevity. Professional plumbing companies emphasize preventive care that minimizes unscheduled downtime and maximizes appliance lifespan. Integrating maintenance with proactive monitoring helps identify gradual decline early, allowing timely interventions and cost-effective upkeep. Environmental and Economic Impacts of Repair vs. Replacement Homeowners also weigh environmental and financial factors when deciding between repair and replacement. Newer water heaters, especially tankless models, conform to stringent energy standards reducing carbon footprints and lowering monthly bills. Repairing outdated or inefficient units might temporarily save money but could result in higher operational costs and environmental impacts. Energy rebates, incentives, and financing options offered for upgrades enhance affordability, and professional consultations with experts like All City Plumbers help balance upfront investments with long-term savings. Such holistic considerations ensure that each household’s decision supports sustainability goals alongside comfort and budget priorities. Conclusion Determining when to repair or replace a water heater involves evaluating performance issues, safety concerns, age, and economic factors, supported by expert advice from seasoned plumbers and modern technological insights. Proactive maintenance can defer replacement, but timely transitions to advanced systems, including tankless water heaters, often bring superior efficiency and reliability. Equally, preparedness for emergencies through access to prompt services mitigates risks. Trustworthy services like All City Plumbers provide comprehensive, tailored solutions ensuring homeowners enjoy safe, consistent hot water with optimal investment returns.