Frozen pipes can lead to all sorts of problem. If it’s not taken care of, frozen pipes can lead to pipes bursting, water damage, and even foundational damage. So how can you tell if your pipes are frozen? And what should you do if they do freeze? We’ve got some answers for you.
If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, there are some things you can do to avoid dealing with this problem. Frozen pipes can often lead to burst pipes, water damage, and other issues. To prevent your pipes from freezing and causing damage, ensure that your house’s temperature does not drop below 60 degrees F. Sometimes, even if you keep your house warm, the air is not distributed evenly, and certain areas get much colder. If a room is particularly cold, warm it with a space heater. Keeping the garage door closed can also help to keep your house and pipes warmer. Opening cabinet doors under sinks or near pipes can also help warm air to reach those pipes. If you have any exposes pipes inside closets or pantries, be sure to leave those doors open for warm air to reach them.
During the winter, or anytime when you aren’t using your hoses regularly—disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Be sure to frost-proof outdoor faucets.
Some pipes will be more vulnerable to freezing—usually pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls. If you are concerned about these pipes, use a space heater or hairdryer to warm them. When you are applying heat, leave the water flowing through the pipes. Allowing a little water to run through the pipes, even just a trickle, will help to protect faucets and pipes—it stops pressure from building up and pipes from bursting.
What Happens When Your Pipes Freeze?
There are many signs of frozen pipes to be wary of. If there isn’t much-running water—little to no water coming out of the pipes—the pipes could be frozen. Frozen pipes can also cause strange smells to come from the faucet and drain. If there is no other way for the scent to get through the pipes, it will come back up. Another sign is seeing visible frost on the outside of the pipes.
If you suspect frozen pipes, it’s important to act quickly. Frozen pipes often lead to pipes bursting as pressure builds up and ice expands. Defrost the pipes as soon as possible.
If your pipes do burst, the result can be serious water damage. It can even cause damage to your foundation. This kind of damage may or may not be covered by your insurance, depending on your policy. If your house has been impacted by water damage, contact the pros at RestoreMasters. We can help you restore your house to its former glory! Our goal is to have your home safe and livable as quickly as we can.