One of the biggest residential plumbing issues during the winter months is having a burst pipe. While extremely cold weather is usually limited to northern states and the Midwest, La Nina winters often result in southern states receiving snow, ice, and sub-zero wind chills as well. This is a natural phase in the earth’s cycle that causes sea temperatures to drop below normal, meaning even beachside locations like Gulf Shores, AL, may experience frozen pipes. Fortunately, you can avoid the most damaging effects by identifying the problem before it expands.

How to Tell

One of the easiest ways to identify an ice blockage is water disruption. If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, there is most likely a frozen pipe. You should check multiple faucets to help determine if it's one section of plumbing, your supply line, or the main water line. Main water lines are the responsibility of the city or water district, so you'll need to contact them. If it's specific to your home, then it's your responsibility. 

Another identifying sign that you have a frozen pipe is an unpleasant odor. Usually, you can pinpoint it to one of your drains. This smell is a result of waste not passing through your residential plumbing system, so it sits in the pipe and releases an odor. This almost always indicates a blockage, but when it's below freezing, ice is most likely the culprit. 

You may also be able to diagnose a completely or partially frozen pipe through a visual inspection. The majority of residential plumbing systems are hidden behind walls and floors, but there are some areas where they're exposed. Look under sinks for signs of frost or ice on the outside of the pipe to identify a problem. The same method also works for unfinished basements where plumbing is usually visible.

What to Do

Successfully thawing a frozen pipe before it ruptures can be complicated and challenging, especially because it's hard to determine where the ice blockage is. The most productive technique for thawing frozen pipes is with an intense heat source, like a torch, but it should only be performed by a professional plumber. A residential plumbing specialist will locate the exact area and handle the problem quickly and efficiently.
 

If winter weather is disrupting your plumbing system, turn the professionals at GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store in Orange Beach, AL. For three decades, the locally owned and operated business has made it their mission to provide fast, reliable, and affordable residential plumbing services throughout Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and southern Baldwin County. Schedule a service or request an upfront estimate by calling (251) 974-5630, or visit the team online to learn more about their plumbing services.