Frozen pipes are a frequent winter plumbing issue that, if not addressed quickly, can cause extensive damage. Frozen pipes can cause severe damage, but with the correct facts, you can prevent this from happening. When temperatures dip below freezing, pressure and pipes build, and can cause the water to freeze. This leads to cracks, which may leak and even cause a burst pipe. These problems can result in significant water damage, costly repairs, and even structural issues if addressed.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what frozen pipes are, how to identify them early, and, most importantly, how to prevent them from causing damage. We’ll also cover how to assess and fix the damage if your pipes freeze and when it’s time to call a professional plumber like the ones here at MoCo Plumbing. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your plumbing safe during winter.
What Are Frozen Pipes?
How Frozen Pipes Form
Frozen pipes happen when water inside the pipes freezes due to cold temperatures, typically below 32°F (0°C). As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure inside the pipe. The pressure causes the pipe to crack and even burst. While pipes might not burst immediately, the damage can still be significant as the water stays trapped until it thaws. Even a tiny freeze can cause substantial issues if not addressed quickly.
Which Pipes Are Most Vulnerable?
Certain pipes are more likely to freeze than others. Pipes in unheated areas like possible garages, attics, basements, and exterior walls are at the highest risk. These areas are more exposed to outside temperatures and are less likely to stay warm. Older homes or homes with insufficient insulation are also more prone to frozen pipes. Pipes made of copper or iron are more vulnerable than flexible plastic pipes, which can handle expansion better. Identifying these areas ahead of time is critical to preventing frozen pipes.
Why Are Frozen Pipes a Problem?
Frozen pipes can cause more than just inconvenience. When the water inside freezes, it can block water flow to faucets and appliances. When the ice thaws, the pressure built up inside can cause the pipe to crack or even burst, leading to leaks. These leaks can go unnoticed for hours or days, resulting in water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. In extreme cases, burst pipes can flood large areas of your home, causing severe damage. A burst pipe can also compromise the structure of your home, making the damage even worse.
How to Identify Frozen Pipes
No Water Flow
One of the first signs of a frozen pipe is that your faucet is not working. If the water won’t flow, there’s a good chance the pipe feeding that faucet is frozen. This is especially common in areas like exterior walls or unheated rooms. If you experience no water flow, check the pipes leading to that faucet for signs of freezing.
Frost on the Pipes
Frost or condensation on pipes is another clear sign that pipes may be frozen. When the water inside a pipe freezes, it can cause the outside of the pipe to sweat, forming frost. This is most common in areas where cold air directly hits the pipes, such as basements, under sinks, or on exterior walls. If you notice frost on a pipe, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent the pipe from bursting.
Unusual Noises in Plumbing
Sometimes, frozen pipes can make strange noises. When you turn on a faucet, you might hear hissing, gurgling, or whistling sounds. These sounds are caused by trapped air or pressure inside the frozen pipe. If you notice these noises or if the water pressure seems low, there’s a chance that a pipe is frozen. Investigate further to prevent further damage.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Insulating any exposed pipes is one of the best ways to prevent possible frozen pipes. Insulation helps protect the pipes from cold air and keeps the water inside from freezing. This is especially important in basements, attics, and exterior walls. Foam pipe insulation, heat tape, and fiberglass are all great materials. Insulating your pipes can save you from costly repairs down the road.
Let Faucets Drip
Another simple way to avoid frozen pipes is by letting faucets drip during extreme cold. A slow stream of water will keep the pressure from building up inside the pipes and help prevent them from freezing. This is particularly helpful for pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated spaces. Even a very slow drip can make a difference in preventing frozen pipes from bursting.
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a warm indoor temperature is essential during winter. If you’re leaving your house for an extended period of time, like an all day event or weekend trip, set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C). This will help keep your pipes from freezing, even in the unheated areas of the house. Avoid turning off the heat or setting the temperature too “low” during cold spells; even short periods of low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze.
How to Assess the Damage of Frozen Pipes
Look for Cracks or Leaks
Once a frozen pipe thaws, carefully check it for cracks or leaks. Even tiny cracks can cause significant water damage if addressed. Check the entire length of the pipe, especially areas where freezing may have occurred. If you notice visible damage, turn off the water supply and call a plumber for help.
Check for Water Damage
Suppose a frozen pipe bursts; nearby walls, floors, and ceilings can experience water damage. Look for signs of water stains or damp areas around the pipe. Also, check for any musty smells, which could indicate that water has seeped into hidden spaces. The sooner you spot water damage, the easier it will be to prevent further issues like mold or structural damage.
Test the Water Flow
After thawing a frozen pipe, turn on the water to check the flow and pressure. If the water pressure is low or uneven, there might still be ice inside the pipe, or it could be damaged. Low pressure can also signal a crack or blockage. If everything seems normal, you can be confident the pipe has thawed successfully. However, if there are still problems, you may need professional assistance.
When to Call a Professional
If the Pipe Has a Burst
If a pipe has already burst, and you are experiencing water leakage, quickly contact an emergency plumber and turn off the main water supply. The sooner you call, the sooner the plumber can assess the damage and fix the issues to prevent further damage.
If You Can’t Find the Frozen Pipe
Sometimes, frozen pipes are hidden behind walls or ceilings, making them difficult to locate at first glance. If you can’t find the frozen pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber to inspect the area where you’re having issues. They use special tools, like infrared cameras, to find the pipe without causing any damage to your home or structure. Finding the problem early can prevent more severe issues later on.
If You’re Unsure of the Extent of the Damage
If you’re unsure how much damage has been caused by frozen pipes, a professional plumber can inspect the system. They can determine hidden damage or if other pipes are at risk of freezing. A plumber can assist with repairs, helping to prevent additional damage and ensuring everything is fixed correctly. MoCo Plumbing is an excellent choice for an emergency plumber for a frozen pipe.
The Damages Frozen Pipes Can Cause
Flooding and Water Damage
One of the most obvious dangers of frozen pipes is flooding. Water can flood the surrounding area When a frozen pipe bursts, soaking carpets, furniture, and floors. The water can quickly spread through your home, causing widespread damage. Water damage can ruin personal belongings and even compromise your home’s structure. If not dealt with promptly, the outcome can be severe.
Structural Damage
The structure of your home is also at risk of being damaged by frozen pipes that may burst suddenly or without explicit warning. Water from a burst pipe can percolate into ceilings, walls, and floors, weakening beams, drywall, and insulation, leaving the structures weak. If left unchecked, this dampness can lead to long-term structural issues in your home. You might need to replace the foundation’s walls, floors, or even parts if significant damage occurs.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Water damage from frozen pipes is a cold and damp environment, excellent for mold and mildew to grow. Mold spreads quickly in damp areas; if not addressed, it can cause health problems like allergies and respiratory issues. Mold removal can be expensive and often requires professional help. Drying out any affected areas as quickly as possible is crucial to prevent mold from forming.
What to Do if You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
Turn Off the Water Supply
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, the first thing to do is turn off the water supply. This will prevent further water from flowing through the frozen pipe and causing more damage. Once the water is off, check the affected pipe for signs of freezing, frost, or cracks.
Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure
After turning off the water supply, open the faucet attached to the frozen pipe. It relieves pressure in the system and allows water to flow freely once the ice thaws. This is important in preventing the pipe from bursting when it thaws.
Apply Heat to the Frozen Pipe
A space heater or heat lamp can encourage the frozen pipe to thaw more quickly. Do not use open flames; they could start a fire or cause damage to the pipes. Start heating the pipe from the faucet end and work your way toward the frozen section. Apply heat gradually, and check the pipe frequently for leaks once it thaws.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes
Start with the Faucet End
When thawing a frozen pipe, always begin at the faucet end. This allows any water that thaws to flow out of the pipe, reducing the chance of pressure building up. Starting from the faucet end ensures the ice melts in a controlled way, avoiding any sudden ruptures.
Apply Heat Gradually
Do not use direct flames when attempting to thaw frozen pipes. Instead, apply heat slowly, using hairdryers, space heaters, and heating pads on settings no higher than medium heat. By not using natural flames, you lower your chances of damaging the pipes or causing them to crack. Using open flames can also be dangerous and can cause a fire or severe injury to yourself.
Check for Leaks After Thawing
Once you’ve thawed the frozen pipe, check it for leaks. If left unnoticed, small cracks can form into more significant issues. To check, turn the water back on slowly and look for any signs of leaks around the thawed areas on the pipe. If a leak is found, turn the water off and call a plumber immediately to schedule repairs to ensure no additional damage occurs.
Conclusion
Protect your home during the winter by taking the proper precautions to keep your pipes from freezing. Insulating your pipes and maintaining a warm indoor temperature are great ways to be proactive and prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. If you experience a burst pipe this winter, contact Moco Plumbing For reliable, professional help.
Contact a professional plumber at MoCo Plumbing for help assessing and repairing the damage before it escalates. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your home today!
