Frozen pipes prevent your plumbing system from functioning properly and can cause extensive damage to your home. When pipes freeze, the pressure inside them increases at an exponential rate, eventually resulting in bursting if the issue is not resolved quickly enough. Burst pipes are one of the most common and inconvenient plumbing problems you can experience during winter and often cause thousands of dollars of damage.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
- Frosty pipes: Examine any exposed sections of piping around your home, especially in unheated areas like the garage, attic, and basement. If frost is growing on the pipe surface, this indicates the pipe is frozen.
- Weird smells: Unusual odors emanating from your drain or faucet can suggest a frozen pipe. When a pipe is obstructed with an ice blockage, smells that usually find their way into your plumbing system and evaporate are prevented from escaping, meaning they will work their way back into your home.
- No running water: This is one of the most pronounced signs of a frozen pipe. If only a small trickle of water comes from your faucet when you turn it on, you are likely experiencing an ice block in the corresponding pipe.
Steps to Take If Your Pipes Freeze
If the signs above indicate your pipes could be frozen, follow these steps to thaw them out as much as possible:
- Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. Running water provides heat that can assist in melting an ice block.
- Apply heat directly to the frozen portion of the pipe. You can use a space heater or a hairdryer to direct hot air to the pipe or even wrap it with an electric blanket or heating pad. Continue doing this until your plumbing system begins functioning normally again.
- If you can’t determine the location of the frozen pipe or it is inaccessible, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
If your pipes have ruptured, this is a serious issue and can result in severe flooding as your pipes thaw and the ice blockages melt. This requires help from a professional to fix before temperatures drop and lead to extensive property damage. Turn off the shutoff valve at your main water supply right away, then call an expert.
Call Mr. Rooter Today
When your home displays signs of frozen pipes, the damage can extend beyond what you can see. The only way to ensure frozen pipes have not significantly impacted your plumbing system is to hire the services of a professional plumber. Give Mr. Rooter a call today at (201) 690-2882, so our experts can inspect your home for plumbing damage before it becomes a more complex, expensive issue.
