Signs Pipes Are Frozen
As temperatures dip during the winter months, homeowners should make sure to keep a watchful eye out for signs of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can cause major disruptions—especially if they burst and begin flooding a home or property! Fortunately, being proactive and recognizing warning signs early on can help homeowners avoid an expensive plumbing emergency down the road. This blog post will discuss common signs of frozen pipes so homeowners can address them before it’s too late.
Little or No Water Coming From Taps
Freezing water is known to affect a home’s water pressure. If the bathroom or kitchen sink faucets are struggling to produce water, this means pipes could be frozen, and there is a blockage of ice preventing water from reaching the tap at its normal velocity. If there is no running water, this can signify a completely frozen or burst pipe.
When pipes freeze, the water can expand inside the line, causing cracks, bursts, or interior damage. If a pipe bursts, this will also affect the plumbing system, including being indicated by water pressure. Homeowners should do their best to prevent frozen and burst pipes to prevent damaging the home and plumbing system.
Frost on Pipes
Pipes can freeze in any area of the home, but some of the most common places where they tend to freeze include basements, attics, outdoor walls, and crawl spaces. If homeowners suspect that their pipes may be frozen, it is important to act quickly before they burst. A tell-tale sign of frozen pipes is frost or ice on the surface of the pipe. If homeowners notice this, take steps to thaw the pipe as soon as possible. It is essential to use caution when attempting to thaw out frozen pipes, as they may be under pressure and could burst if not done properly.
It is also important to take preventative measures to avoid frozen pipes in the first place. Some of these steps include sealing any cracks or holes in exterior walls, properly insulating exposed pipes, and disconnecting all hoses from outdoor spigots before winter arrives. These steps will help ensure that lines remain safe and unfrozen during cold winter months. If homeowners have any questions or concerns about frozen pipes, they should contact a professional plumber for advice. They will be able to discuss preventative measures and provide assistance with thawing out frozen pipes and fixing burst pipes.
Strange Smells
When temperatures drop below freezing, sewer pipes are not safe from the effects of cold weather either. Sewer lines can also freeze and cause serious damage to the plumbing system. When freezing happens, the sewage stuck in a frozen pipe will start to emit an unpleasant smell as it cannot drain like usual, making the smell of sewage a distinct sign of frozen sewer pipes. This smell may be strong enough to permeate home and can be very off-putting.
It is vital to ensure that sewer pipes are sufficiently insulated during cold weather and that the area around the lines is kept warm to prevent this from happening. If homeowners notice an unpleasant smell coming from their plumbing system, it may indicate a frozen pipe somewhere in the sewer system. Contact a local plumber to have the problem looked at and fixed as soon as possible.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. is a locally owned and operated company serving Alto, MI, and the greater Grand Rapids area. They provide same-day service, flat rate pricing, and always on-time service. Call them today for emergency plumbing and burst pipe repair in Alto, MI.
