Freezing temperatures during the winter mean you should also be concerned about frozen pipes. Water flowing through frozen pipes can create inconveniences in a home by preventing it from flowing.
When frozen pipes are at their worst, they can cause plumbing catastrophes and significant property damage. You should be able to recognize any signs of frozen pipes to take the necessary precautions.
Top Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen
If you’ve never experienced frozen pipes, there are usually tell-tale signs that your plumbing is having issues. Here are a few signs you might have frozen pipes.
- Faucets are not working properly (or no water is coming out).
- Any exposed water pipes have frost on them.
- No other cause appears responsible for damp drywall, carpet, or ceilings.
You might also notice that several of your faucets and drains emit strange odors. An obstruction in a pipe can lead to unpleasant odors backing up the drain if it is completely (or partially) blocked.
How To Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
It is common for pipes to freeze in unheated garages and crawl spaces since they are not well insulated. To prevent frozen pipes, you can follow these steps:
- If you’re away from home for an extended period, keep the heat above 55 degrees.
- Insulate any exposed water pipes.
- You should close your garage door to allow warm air to circulate through your home.
- Allow the water in your plumbing system to circulate by letting a tiny amount drip from a few faucets if you are away from home for a while.
What To Do When Pipes Freeze
Water pipes are difficult to reach, hidden away in a home’s walls, floors, or ceilings, making it hard to locate frozen pipes. In an accessible or exposed area, you can thaw a frozen section of pipe with a hair dryer or space heater. You will melt any ice in a pipe if the faucet is opened when attempting to thaw one. You should not use a blowtorch to thaw a frozen pipe.
Call us at A&R Mechanical if you think you have a frozen pipe. As professional plumbers, our team has equipment that’s specifically designed to thaw pipes. As a result, we can also better locate the frozen area in your pipes.
What If a Frozen Pipe Bursts
A frozen pipe that bursts is the worst-case scenario, so immediately shut off your main water supply. As well as turning off the electricity, we recommend you turn it off in the area where the pipe burst.
To prevent mold and mildew growth, call our team at A&R Mechanical right away and then start mopping up the water. We’ll jump into action and get your plumbing situation resolved as quickly as possible. Contact our team at A&R Mechanical
