How do you know if your pipes are frozen?

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

Cabin in the snow

The winter months can bring a unique set of problems to homeowners, and one of the most common is frozen pipes. But how do you know if your pipes are frozen and what should you do if they are? Let’s break it down.

How do you know if your pipes are frozen?

Frigid Temperatures 

One of the most obvious signs that you may have frozen pipes is a sudden drop in the temperature in your house or apartment. If you notice that it’s much colder than it was before, then it’s possible that your pipes have frozen due to the cold temperatures outside. This is especially true if you’re living in an area where temperatures routinely dip below freezing during the wintertime. 

No Water Flow 

Another sign that your pipes might be frozen is a lack of water flow when you turn on any faucets or shower heads. If you turn on a faucet and only a small amount of water comes out (or no water at all), then there could be ice blocking the pipe somewhere along its route through your home.  

Frost On The Pipes 

If you can easily access any exposed piping (such as in an unfinished basement or attic), look for frost on the surface of the pipe. This indicates that there is ice inside the pipe and it has likely been caused by freezing temperatures outside. It’s important to remember that not all pipes will be visible, so if you suspect that there could be an issue with any hidden piping, then contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. This will be much cheaper and less time consuming than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe and a water damage and restoration company.

How do you deal with frozen pipes?

Once you have determined that one or more of your pipes are indeed frozen, there are several steps you should take right away to prevent any further damage caused by freezing temperatures. 

First, open all interior doors and under-the-sink cabinet doors so warm air can circulate through all areas of the house (including basements). Second, shut off both hot and cold water main valves so no additional water can enter the system. Finally, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. They can come and safely thaw out any affected pipes without damaging them further.  

Frozen pipes can quickly lead to serious damage if they aren’t dealt with promptly, so knowing how to tell if your pipes are frozen is essential for preventing further issues down the road. Signs such as sudden drops in temperature, no water flow, and frost on exposed piping can all indicate potential issues with freezing temperatures outside. If you suspect that any of these issues may apply to your home, contact a professional plumber right away!