Be on the Lookout for These Signs of Frozen Pipes
Winter brings with it plenty of hardships. Dealing with the plummeting temperatures and snow is bad enough, but the toll that winter weather can take on the plumbing can be too much. Having to deal with the fallout of a frozen pipe adds a lot of frustration to an already stressful season.
Frozen pipes may not sound too bad at first. Surely anyone can deal with losing water to a fixture for a day or two until temperatures warm up. But, the real problem with frozen pipes is that they can lead to a pipe burst and flood the area with gallons and gallons of fresh water or even sewage.
Instead of taking the risk of having to deal with a burst pipe, homeowners should understand the warning signs of frozen pipes so they know if they need to winterize the pipes and put more effort into prevention. Protecting pipes from freezing can be the difference between a relaxing and cozy winter and a nasty, expensive plumbing emergency. Here are three signs that pipes are freezing.
Low Water Pressure From Faucets or Fixtures
As a pipe freezes, its diameter is reduced by ice forming inside the walls of the pipe. As the diameter of the line is slowly closed off, water will come out of fixtures at a lower pressure or just a trickle. If the pipe and its contents are completely frozen, then no water may come from the fixture at all.
If homeowners notice little to no water coming from a tap, this indicates a pipe is frozen. Homeowners should be careful when pipes thaw because when water freezes, it puts pressure on the line, and it can burst, which can cause massive flooding when the line unfreezes. Homeowners should immediately contact a plumber if they believe a pipe has burst.
Exposed Pipes With Visible Frost
If it is cold outside, pipes exposed to the elements are at risk of freezing. The most obvious sign that a pipe has frozen is the presence of frost on its exterior. When frost appears, this clearly indicates that the water inside the line has turned to ice and blocked water flow. It is important to address the issue immediately if this happens, as frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs.
Taking steps such as covering exposed pipes with insulation or a tarp and letting faucets drip when temperatures drop drastically can help prevent frozen pipes. Contact a plumber immediately if it is too late and the pipes are already frozen. They will be able to help properly thaw the pipes. Homeowners should not try to thaw frozen pipes on their own to prevent further damage. A professional plumber will be able to identify any other issues that may have led to the pipe freezing and help ensure it doesn't happen again.
Foul Odors in the Bathroom
If the bathroom smells like sewage in the winter, it’s another sign the sewer line is likely frozen. Freezing temperatures can cause sewer pipes to freeze, leading to an unpleasant smell. When the water in the pipe freezes, it expands and blocks the flow of waste, causing a sewage backup. This can cause an unpleasant odor in the area around the pipe and any other areas connected to it.
In addition, if the freeze-thaw cycle is repeated several times, it can cause pipes to crack or break, leading to further backups and odors. To prevent sewer pipes from freezing, homeowners should ensure that they are properly insulated and sealed with caulking. Also, pipes should be checked regularly for any signs of damage or wear. These steps can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes and decrease the likelihood of unpleasant odors.
About RCL Mechanical
RCL Mechanical s a locally-owned and operated business serving Taunton, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate prices, the latest technology, and 24/7 availability. Call them today for emergency plumbing services in Taunton, MA.
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