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Frozen Pipes

February 3, 2022

Nobody likes to have to deal with it but it can happen. Water expands when it freezes adding a considerable amount of pressure building on plumbing pipes. That pressure can cause a tiny leak at a joint or crack on a length of pipe, unleashing the full flow of water inside your home.

Frozen Pipes

Where can it happen?

Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when they are located:

  •  In an outside wall that is subject to freezing outdoor temperature.
  •  In a cabinet under a sink (especially when located near an outside wall).
  •  In an unheated crawl space or basement.
  •  Near outdoor faucets (hose bibs) used to connect garden hoses.

How do you know if you have frozen pipes?

Identify and Locate

  • Limited or lack of water: If your faucets only have water dribbling out or your toilet won’t refill after flushing could be a sign of frozen pipes.
  • Condensation, Cracks, Bulging pipes: A water line coated in frost is a good sign that it's frozen, but not all plumbing pipes are visible.
  • Limited or lack of water: If your faucets only have water dribbling out or your toilet won’t refill after flushing could be a sign of frozen pipes.
  • Gurgling Sounds: If your pipes start “talking,” making banging or gurgling sounds, it can indicate you’ve got ice traveling through your pipes.
  • Smelly Water: A sewage smell emanating from your faucets usually accompanies a freezing exterior sewer line.

What to do next?

Shut off the water supply to that section of plumbing.

How to unthaw:

Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. If you are unable to thaw the pipe, unable to locate the frozen pipe, do not feel comfortable thawing a pipe yourself or if a pipe bursts, you should call a plumber or other professional. They will be able to remedy the problem for you.

Prevention

Tips to help avoid the possibility of frozen pipes:

  •  Removing exterior hoses and shutting off interior valves feeding those hoses.
  •  Sealing up holes and cracks.
  •  Adding extra insulation.
  •  Allowing faucets to drip slightly.
  •  Keeping all interior doors open.
  •  Keeping the heat on.

For help with your solutions to any plumbing problems, contact the experts at Bubby’s Plumbing today.