How to Know if You Have a Frozen Pipe

Frozen pipes can be one of the most disastrous emergencies that can happen to your home. Why, you might ask? Between the water that will fill the room, water damage, mold and mildew, and a pipe that will need replacement, a lot can go wrong. Here are a few warning signs to let you know when one of your pipes has begun to freeze:

Frozen Pipe Warning Signs

1) When the Temperature Starts to Drop

Pipes cannot freeze when the temperature isn’t cold enough outside. However, once the mercury drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (the freezing point of water), all bets are off. Pay attention to the daily weather forecast and make sure the temperature stays above the freezing point. Note: Pay attention to the nighttime forecast, as this is when temperatures are at their lowest.

2) Frost Begins to Build Up

Within your home, there are some pipes that are exposed in the basement, garage, and under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Any pipes that can be visibly seen, walk over to them and perform a visual inspection. If you can see the slightest bit of frost forming on them, this could mean that the pipe has already begun to freeze. Note: These pipes should be insulated to prevent this problem from occurring.

3) The Obvious Lack of Water

If any of your fauces have been turned on but nothing comes out, congratulations, your pipes are frozen! As soon as you discover that one of your pipes is frozen, it’s important to check each faucet and fixture in your home to know which ones are currently at risk of bursting.

4) The Sink Starts to Smell

Is there a foul odor coming from your sink? This could mean there’s frozen water within the pipe. If the ice is completely blocking the pipe, the odors from within only have only way to go — right back up the drain into your home! This doesn’t apply just to frozen pipes, foul odors can also emanate from the drain if there’s other types of blockages within the drain pipe (food, grease, etc.).

Having a frozen pipe could lead to a burst, one that will fill your home with water, a wide array of damages, and a heart filled with sadness. When your home experiences pipe trouble of any kind, be sure to give us a call — no matter the time or day.