When water freezes in a pipe, it gets bigger and can crack or burst the pipe. This ice can also create too much pressure in the pipe, which can break things like boilers or water heaters.
If the ice melts, water might leak into your house. This can cause damage, mold, and even weaken your home’s structure. If you think a pipe has frozen, you should act fast to stop big problems and keep your home safe.
We at Vossler Plumbing Co. are concerned about the cold months and how they affect your building, so we are providing tips on how to manage your pipes if they eventually freeze.
It’s important to catch frozen pipes early to prevent damage. However, here are a few signs that will help you identify if your pipe is frozen.
One of the most obvious signs is when you turn on a faucet and no water comes out or only a trickle emerges. This usually means that the water in the pipes has frozen and is blocking the flow.
If you can see the pipes (such as those under sinks), check for frost accumulation on the exterior. This can be a clear indicator that the water inside has frozen. It’s a visual sign that should prompt immediate action.
If you hear strange sounds like clanking, banging, or whistling when you try to use the water, it could be a sign of ice creating pressure in the pipes. This pressure can lead to serious pipe damage.
A blocked pipe can cause odors to travel back up through the system. If you notice unusual or unpleasant smells coming from your sink or faucet, it might be due to a blockage caused by ice.
Assuming your pipes eventually freeze, it’s important to catch frozen pipes early to prevent damage. There are a few measures that you can carry out:
It’s crucial to remember that using an open flame to thaw pipes is extremely dangerous. This includes devices like blowtorches, kerosene or propane heaters, or any open-flame device. The risk here is twofold: not only can you damage the pipes themselves, potentially leading to leaks or bursts when they thaw, but there’s a very real fire hazard to consider. Structures and materials near pipes can catch fire.
If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, immediately shut off the main water supply to your home. This is a proactive step to minimize potential water damage if the pipe bursts upon thawing. Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is and how to operate it is crucial for all homeowners.
To safely thaw frozen pipes, you can use several methods:
Important note: Always start the thawing process near the faucet and keep the faucet open. This allows melting water to drip out and relieves pressure inside the pipe, potentially preventing a burst.
After the pipes have thawed, inspecting them for leaks is important. Thawing can often reveal cracks or breaks that were not visible when the pipe was frozen. Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage over time, so prompt detection and repair are essential.
If you have any problems with your plumbing during the cold months that are beyond you, it’s important to call a professional plumber immediately. At Vossler Plumbing Company, we have the experience and expertise to handle all of your winter plumbing needs. We offer a wide range of services, including pipe repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and more.
We are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing repairs. So, if you have any plumbing problems this winter, don’t hesitate to call us at 346-712-0050 to make a request.
Whatever you’re experiencing, we have the technical expertise to help. Click below to share your information along with any specific details or photos, and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible with an estimate.