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Yes, a skilled plumber can fix frozen pipes, and it is recommended to hire a professional for this task rather than attempting it yourself. A plumber will begin by investigating your plumbing to identify the frozen areas and then use a professional tool, such as a heat gun, to safely thaw the affected pipes. If a pipe has burst or developed leaks, the plumber can also make the necessary repairs. For homes with recurring frozen pipe issues, a plumber can provide long-term solutions, such as advising on where to add insulation or rerouting pipes away from areas prone to freezing.

Snakes can occasionally enter homes through shower drains, although it’s quite rare. This can happen when they follow sewer pipes or accidentally find their way into plumbing systems. To minimize the risk, consider installing drain covers or stoppers on your shower drains. Always keep drains closed when they’re not in use, especially in areas where snakes are known to be active.

To test for toilet leaks, use water coloring in the water tank and see if the water slips into the bowl from the tank. This test will indicate if there’s a problem with the flapper or refill tube. You can also put water coloring in the bowl of the toilet to see if there is a leak there. If there is, you should see the colored water on the outside of the toilet bowl or on the floor. 

Frozen pipes can negatively affect your hot water heater. If the pipes leading to or from your hot water heater freeze and burst, as can happen with frozen pipes, your water heater can be seriously damaged and even require replacement. In less extreme cases, frozen pipes can compromise or cut off your hot water supply.