No homeowner wants to deal with frozen pipes. However, you might have no choice when New Jersey temperatures plummet. Pipes can freeze before you know it. You can avoid being caught off guard if you are familiar with the warning signs. Here are six of the most common signs of frozen pipes.
1. Slow Running Water
Turning on the faucet and getting a trickle of water is usually bad news. It can mean that there’s ice on the inside wall of the pipe. Sometimes, you might turn on the faucet and get no water at all. During freezing temperatures, be aware of any sudden changes in water pressure.
2. Bad Smells
Your nose can alert you to the possibility of frozen pipes. Odors can’t escape frozen pipes. With nowhere to go, the bad smells are forced back into your home. You might notice an odor from your drains, sinks, or tub if ice is blocking the water or vent lines.
3. Frost on the Pipes
Frosty pipes are pretty easy to spot. If you see frost on the outside of the pipe, the inside is likely frozen. Exposed pipes in areas like your garage or basement are common places to see frost. If you suspect your pipes are frozen, a visual check might reveal frost.
4. Weird Sounds
Water can make a weird noise when it tries to travel through frozen pipes. Listen for sounds like whistling, banging, or clanking when you turn on your faucet. It’s not uncommon for plumbing to make noises when nothing is wrong. But if you consistently hear strange noises in winter, it could mean ice buildup is restricting flow.
5. Slow Drains
During warmer months, slow drains usually point to clogs. In winter, however, ice in outdoor drain lines can occasionally cause water to drain more slowly. Still, frozen supply pipes are far more common than frozen drains, so pay closer attention to water flow from faucets and fixtures.
6. Pipe Bulging
Water expands when it freezes. If water freezes in the pipes, that can cause the pipes to bulge. Any pipes in this condition can burst and cause a big mess. You’ll need to get help as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Preventing Winter Pipe Mishaps
Taking action before it’s cold outside can save you a lot of trouble. Start with exposed pipes in areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Adding pipe insulation to these pipes reduces the likelihood of freezing. Another tip is to let warm air surround the pipes. You can do this by opening cabinet doors under sinks when your heat is on. You can also run a space heater in the same room as vulnerable pipes, but always keep it at a safe distance from flammable materials and never leave it unattended. The oldest trick in the book is to keep a small amount of water running from the faucets. This is one of the few times you actually want your faucets to drip. Water is far less likely to freeze if it’s continuously flowing through the pipes.
Keeping Pipes from Bursting
Burst pipes can cause severe damage. When frozen water expands in pipes, it can cause cracks to develop. Your best bet is to call for professional help as soon as you discover your pipes are frozen. But sometimes, you might not have that option. If you act fast, you can prevent pipes from bursting. The important thing is to take action as soon as you notice a frozen pipe. Shut off the main water supply to stop the flow if the pipe bursts. Turn on faucets so pressure can escape and possibly help melt ice from the tap end. Next, you’ll need to apply heat to the frozen pipe. Do this with care, as extreme temperature changes can damage pipes. Wrapping warm towels around the frozen pipe is a gentle way to apply heat. You can also try a heating pad or a hair dryer on the low setting. When using an electric device, make sure to avoid standing water. To avoid the risk of shock, you might prefer using the warm towel method. The goal is to thaw the frozen pipe safely and slowly. Avoid anything that produces extreme heat. That means you should keep your blowtorch, kerosene heater, or any open flame far away from the pipe.
Contact the Pipe Professionals
Russo Bros. & Co. offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services in New Jersey. Call us anytime for help when your pipes are frozen solid. We’ll inspect the pipes to find any breaks and repair them.
Contact Russo Bros. & Co. in East Hanover, NJ, today to request pipe repair.
