The plumbing components of a home become more vulnerable during the cold winter months. When the temperature drops, the water in the pipes might freeze, leading to malfunctions and even ruptures. This is why homeowners must be able to tell whether they have frozen pipes.

When pipes freeze, homeowners must be aware of the warning signals so that they can contact a plumber as soon as possible.

What Causes Frozen Pipes 

The lack of insulation in plumbing pipes is the primary cause of freezing. Plumbing can be installed beneath floors, in crawl spaces, and basements, where temperatures are lower than other parts of your house.

Pipe freezing is a complex problem to deal with. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the warning indicators so you can take preventative measures.

How to Identify Frozen Plumbing Pipes

There are several indicators to look for when winter rolls around. One of the first signs is a lack of water flowing out of your faucets. If multiple taps aren’t working, it’s time to call for an emergency plumber in Chatsworth. When this happens, it implies that the water in a section of the pipe has frozen, and the pressure is no longer high enough to drive water through. It might also indicate that the pipe has become entirely blocked due to ice.

If you can see the pipes coated with an ice residue, it may also have a condensation coating on the surface. If this happens, the inside of the pipe is most likely entirely frozen. The lines under the flooring, in the basement, and the outer walls are the most vulnerable.

The sewage line might freeze at times, resulting in a strong odor all over your house. If sewage odors permeate your home while the temperature outside is below freezing, you may have a frozen sewer line that has to be repaired as soon as possible. A frozen sewer pipe can burst, causing a major mess that is difficult to clean up.

It’s not uncommon for frozen pipes to make strange noises. As the ice begins to melt and shift, there can be a lot of rattling and slamming. As the water slowly begins to flow again, your water heater may start to make loud sounds. And if a frozen pipe bursts, you may require repiping services from an experienced plumber.

A pipe that has fractured is another indicator of frozen pipes. When the pressure inside the pipes builds up due to frozen water, the pipes crack. If the water supply is not turned off before the thaw, cracked pipes can cause catastrophic water damage. Frequent freezing can cause pipelines to deteriorate over time. If a pipe is weak, it is more prone to collapse under the strain of ice buildup.

Conclusion

For protection against frozen pipes, it is critical to provide insulation to the vulnerable regions of your property. Pipe insulation is one of the best ways to protect pipes and maintain interior temperatures so that they do not freeze. While you may do it yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional plumber in Chatsworth to ensure that the necessary supplies are ordered and installed.

Candu Plumbing offers professional plumbing services in Chatsworth and other nearby areas in California. Book an appointment with us today!