Winter weather presents a lot of challenges, but one of the most critical is the risk of frozen pipes. When exposed to below-freezing temperatures for several hours, your home’s water pipes may freeze, swell, or crack — leading to costly flood damage. Unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, or garages, are most vulnerable to pipes freezing and bursting.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 29% of homeowner insurance claims in the U.S. are associated with “water damage and freezing.” What’s more, State Farm Insurance estimates that insurance claims for water damage from frozen pipes average $10,000. It’s clearly important to understand the signs of frozen pipes so you can safeguard your plumbing system and prevent unwanted damage.
What are the Signs of Frozen Pipes?
- Low water output: When plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads produce no or slow-trickling water, it’s a surefire sign that you may be dealing with frozen pipes.
- Visible condensation: If there’s frost collecting on the exterior of your pipes, it’s likely because the water inside the pipe has started to freeze.
- Bulging pipes: When water turns to ice, the water molecules expand which puts pressure on the pipe. This can result in noticeable bulges or cracks with ice noticeably seeping out.
- Strange sounds: Whistling, gurgling, or banging sounds from inside the pipes may indicate that ice travels through the pipes rather than flowing water.
What Should You Do About Frozen Pipes?
- Turn off water: The first thing you should do is find the meter and shut off the main water supply.
- Clean up: Identify any leaks and use towels or wet vacuums to soak up puddles or leaking water.
- Unthaw pipes: Portable heaters and infrared lamps can help unthaw frozen pipes.
- Call a plumbing professional: A trusted plumbing company like Canady’s can help identify the primary issue that led to the frozen pipes — and safely and effectively thaw them.
Did You Know?
Preventing Frozen Pipes
- Insulate water pipes in unheated walls that have insufficient insulation
- Seal openings in exterior doors and windows to prevent heat from getting out and cold air from coming in
- Keep thermostat above 55°F at all times
- Safely use space heaters in unheated and near uninsulated areas during extreme winter weather.
At Canady’s, we are your go-to plumbing experts. We keep plumbing systems running smoothly with our time-tested solutions that prevent small problems from leading to costly, long-term issues. Our team of licensed professionals can help you maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system and prevent frozen pipes.
Winter weather presents a lot of challenges, but one of the most critical is the risk of frozen pipes. At Canady’s, our team of licensed professionals can help you maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system and prevent frozen pipes. Contact us today to schedule a repair or request a quote.