Signs There's a Frozen Pipe

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Signs of a Frozen Pipe in Your Home

It’s important to start protecting the home’s pipes in the cold winter months. This time of year, pipes can freeze quickly as temperatures drop and stay low — especially overnight. But even the most ardent protection can only go so far. Sometimes, there’s just nothing a homeowner can do to prevent the cold from seeping into exposed pipes. And in order to be prepared for that, it’s important to know the signs of a frozen pipe in the home. Read on to find out more. 

A Lack of Flowing Water

There are two main things that can happen when a pipe freezes. The first is that the pipe will burst. When water freezes, it expands, and that pressure can be too much for the pipe to handle. This is pretty common, which is why it’s important to protect against it. The second thing is that the ice in the pipe will block the flow of water, affecting water pressure throughout the house. This can be a full or partial block. 

If the pipe has burst, it won’t allow any water to flow to the other faucets in the house. If multiple faucets are turned on but don’t have water flow, it could be a burst pipe. If there is a slow trickle of water, it could mean a partial block in the pipe. Again, it’s good to check multiple faucets to make sure. 

Frost on Pipes

Another sign that a pipe is frozen is the presence of frost on the pipe. Since the pipes most likely to freeze are the ones that are exposed, this often means inspecting exposed pipes outside the home, in the basement, or under the flooring. If the water isn’t flowing, it’s important to visually inspect any exposed piping around the home to determine where the problem could be. 

These exposed pipes that have frost on them indicate that the inside of the pipe is probably frozen. It’s also good to look for condensation on the outside of the pipe, which can also indicate frozen water inside the line. Sometimes pipe insulation on exposed piping can help prevent these pipes from freezing. 

Sewage Smell in the Home

While the most common type of frozen pipe is a frozen water line, it’s not the only type. The other kind of pipe in the home is the sewer pipes. These can freeze just like a water line can. If there is a frozen sewer line in the house, it can cause a backup of sewage. When this happens, the home will start to smell of waste, especially in those areas with drains such as bathrooms. A frozen sewer line can also burst, which is the last thing any homeowner wants to experience. 

Those with any of the signs talked about in this article should contact a burst pipe repair service. Most professional plumbers offer this service. Not only does this allow homeowners to remedy their frozen pipe, but it can also help them prevent frozen pipes in the future with specific tips from the plumbers. 

About E.R. Services

The friendly experts at E.R. Services have been serving Charlotte, NC, since 1997. They provide superb workmanship and excellent customer service. Their technicians are experienced and well trained who never leave a mess behind. Call E.R. Plumbing Services today for frozen pipe repair in Charlotte, NC.

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