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Water pipes will unfreeze once temperatures stay above freezing long enough to thaw. As things warm up, you might hear gurgling and banging sounds from the pipes. It can take a while for the pipes to unfreeze, and they won’t without help if temperatures stay below freezing. Open cupboard doors, turn up the heat, and get out hair dryers, heat guns, space heaters, and heat lamps to speed up the thawing process. If you live where it’s frequently below freezing, consider whether pipe insulation is worth installing.

You should leave the water dripping when temperatures are below 20 degrees for three hours or longer or your power goes out in the winter. Leave the water dripping until temperatures are consistently above 20 degrees and you’ve checked for frozen pipes. With water movement in your pipes, ice is less likely to form, and your pipes are less likely to burst. The drip relieves pressure, preventing burst and leaking pipes.

A plumber can flush a water heater, but typically a water heater specialist is best for the job. Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater’s lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost. While you can hire a water heater specialist to handle this maintenance, this is a job most homeowners can perform on their own. 

Sometimes when a pipe bursts in a house, it makes a clang or popping noise; however, that doesn’t mean you’ll hear it. Newer pipes tend to be quieter than older pipes. Plus, a pipe can easily burst out of earshot, especially if it’s a floor or two away from you. 

If you do hear an unusual popping noise, consider hiring a plumber to inspect your pipes. Most of the time, you’re more likely to notice a burst pipe either from a visible leak or because water won’t run out of your tap properly.