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Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes In the Winter

Posted on December 24, 2021 by

Watch Out for These Signs of Frozen Pipes

Burst pipes keep plumbing contractors busy all winter long. Homeowners who want to avoid calling a burst pipe repair company this winter should watch for these common warning signs of frozen pipes. 

The reason pipes burst in the winter is that as water freezes, it expands. When the water inside of a plumbing system freezes, it creates pressure inside of the pipes that can cause damage to the entire plumbing system. 

Burst pipes can cause a lot of expensive property damage and be a safety hazard. In this article, plumbers explain the warning signs of frozen pipes and give tips for preventing burst pipe repair this winter. 

Water Faucets with Low Pressure or No Flowfaucet

Frozen pipes can significantly impact the water pressure. This can be one of the first signs of frozen pipes that homeowners notice. To avoid needing burst pipe repair, homeowners should pay attention to low or no water pressure during cold weather. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to costly repairs. 

Slow or no water flow from faucets could mean that the water has frozen inside the pipes, causing a blockage. Leaving the faucet dripping slightly can help to prevent pipes from freezing over. When the water line gets blocked by ice, the water pressure inside of the plumbing system can expand until a burst pipe occurs. 

pipe Visible Frost Forming on Exposed Pipes

Homeowners worried about needing frozen pipe repair can visually check for signs of frozen pipes by looking for frost on the outside of exposed pipes in their home. 

Most people have exposed pipes either under their kitchen or bathroom sink, a crawl space, or their attic. One can warm some exposed pipes in the home by opening interior doors to allow the heating system to circulate to these spaces. 

Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures are likely to freeze over. Frost forming on the outside of the pipes is a clear confirmation that there is most likely ice on the pipes' inside. Insulating exposed pipes and the space around the pipes can prevent a plumbing disaster this winter. 

Smells Like Sewage Inside 

The sewer line is also susceptible to freezing over during the winter. When this happens, sewage waste can become frozen in the pipes, and the smell can stink up the whole home. To avoid this unpleasant occurrence, homeowners should take steps to winterize their plumbing system before a cold front hits. 

In worst-case scenarios, the frozen sewer line will expand as it freezes and causes the pipes to burst. This means that the stinky sludge inside the pipes will go everywhere, which is even worse than a frozen water line bursting because of the threat to human health. 

This winter, keeping up with annual system maintenance can save homeowners from needing burst pipe repair service. Insulating the sewer line before the first cold front hits is one preventative service that an experienced plumber may recommend to winterize the pipes. 

About Rooter MD Plumbing LLC

Rooter MD Plumbing LLC is proud to serve the Livonia, MI community with fast, fair, and affordable plumbing and heating services. Call today to hire an experienced local plumber for winter plumbing services!

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