When temperatures drop below freezing, your home’s exposed pipes and outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable to the cold. And as the water inside these pipes freezes, it will expand and has the potential to cause your pipes to burst. If you want to avoid potential water damage as the temperatures start to warm back up, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of frozen pipes early. The sooner you take action, the better your chances are of preventing serious damage to your plumbing system and your home.
Here’s what to look (and listen) for when you suspect your pipes might be freezing up:
No Water or a Tiny Trickle From a Faucet
You turn on a tap, such as one on an exterior wall, like a kitchen or bathroom sink, and nothing comes out. Or, instead of the usual steady stream, you get a weak, sputtering trickle of water. This indicates that an ice blockage has formed somewhere in the supply line, preventing water from reaching the faucet.
If this happens, try other faucets in the house. If they work fine, the problem is isolated to the specific pipe feeding the non-working faucet. If all faucets are affected, you could have a much larger problem, such as a frozen water main, which will require a professional water line repair.
Visible Frost or Ice on Exposed Pipes
Take a flashlight and inspect any pipes you can easily see in unheated areas (think attics, crawl spaces, basements, garages, and along exterior walls). If you notice a layer of frost, condensation that looks frozen, or actual ice on the exterior of the pipe, you can be certain the water inside is also frozen or on the verge of freezing.
Gurgling, Banging, or Clanking Noises
Is your plumbing trying to talk to you? Gurgling, whistling, banging, or clanking sounds can be caused by water trying to force its way around or through a partial ice blockage. These sounds can also be the pipe itself contracting or groaning under the immense stress and pressure from the ice.
Strange Smells From Drains or Faucets
If you suddenly notice an unpleasant odor, like sewage, coming from a drain, it could be related to a frozen pipe. Your plumbing system’s drain and vent pipes are designed to channel sewer gases up and out of your home. An ice blockage in a plumbing vent can stop this process, forcing the odors to flow backward and escape into your house through the drains instead. A sewer line repair from our team in Baltimore can quickly resolve this issue and restore the fresh scent of your home.
A Bulging or Warped Pipe
As ice expands inside a pipe, it can cause visible swelling, warping, or even small cracks along the pipe’s surface. Sometimes, the affected section may also appear discolored or distorted. This is a sign that the pipe is under pressure and could burst at any moment.
If you see signs of a frozen, bulging pipe, act quickly to avoid serious water damage. Shut off your home’s main water supply and call a professional plumber.
Suspect a Frozen Pipe? Here’s What to Do.
If you suspect your pipes are frozen, it’s important to handle them properly. Never, ever use an open flame to thaw a pipe. This is a severe fire hazard and can also damage the pipe, making a burst more likely.
The best course of action is to call a professional. Here at Saffer Plumbing, our experienced plumbers can help you understand exactly what to do if you have a frozen pipe so that you don’t have to worry about future issues. We can then safely thaw the blockage using professional-grade equipment and, more importantly, inspect the pipe for any cracks or damage that occurred under pressure. We can even provide expert advice on how to prevent frozen pipes and faucets in the future.
If you’re in the Baltimore, MD, area and suspect your pipes have been affected by the cold weather, contact Saffer Plumbing today for a fast, professional plumbing repair.