Three Indicators That a Pipe is Frozen to Lookout For
Homeowners need to be on the lookout for signs of frozen pipes when the temperatures drop below freezing. Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing hazards. The danger of a frozen pipe is that it could burst and cause extensive property damage. Burst pipes can also cause water damage and mold, requiring costly repairs.
This blog post will share three common warning signs of frozen pipes that homeowners need to know. When warning signs of frozen pipes are noticed, it is best to call a professional plumber immediately to prevent the frozen pipes from leading to more serious problems like a burst pipe.
Slow Flow or No Water From Sink Faucets 
When water freezes, it expands. This can cause problems when the water freezes and expands inside a plumbing system because it can cause the line to burst. However, even before that happens, the water can freeze in the line and stop water from passing through, which causes low water pressure or no water to come out of fixtures.
This is why slow water flow or no water coming from the home’s sink faucets indicates that pipes are frozen. Leaving one tap dripping at all times can help prevent the pipes from completely freezing over because it keeps the water inside moving.
Water pressure imbalance due to blockages caused by ice can lead to serious plumbing problems. The water has nowhere else to go, forcing it back in the opposite direction. This can force pipes to burst open and leak throughout the home. The entire plumbing system is connected, so homeowners need to know that a frozen pipe could cause all sorts of plumbing problems.
Visible Frost on Exposed Pipes
Some homes have exposed pipes in the attic, basement, or garage. These pipes should be checked for signs of frost. Ice or frost forming on the outside of the lines is a clear confirmation that the pipes are frozen. Preventing these pipes from freezing may require insulating the exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing during the winter. Homeowners can also add more insulation inside the walls to help keep the pipes warm.
Homeowners should regularly inspect any visible plumbing for signs of frost or damage. It can also help to leave cabinet doors open so that the heating system can more fully circulate warm air throughout the home and to the pipes. Plumbing professionals can also offer solutions for insulating exposed pipes and preventing them from freezing, including spray-on insulation and insulation tape.
Smells of Sewage
The sewer lines can also freeze if not buried deep enough because they are underground beneath the home’s foundation and away from the home’s heat source. Sometimes the earth around the pipes gets too cold, and the wastewater inside the pipes freezes. A frozen sewer line can be a nasty problem to deal with. One of the first warning signs people notice is that the bathroom or home smells like sewage.
When there is a frozen sewer line, the wastewater causes a blockage of ice in the pipes, and the smell can come back into the house because it has nowhere else to go. If the problem worsens, the sewer line could burst beneath the home, or wastewater could back up into the home. An unpleasant smell is a warning sign of frozen sewer lines that homeowners should know about so they can reach out to a qualified plumber for help.
About Lascko Services
Lascko Services is a family-owned and operated company with over 20 years of expertise serving Muskegon, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, personal attention, and the latest technology. Call them today for water line, sewer line, and burst pipe repair in Muskegon, MI.
