When freezing temperatures arrive, insulating and protecting your plumbing system is a must. If stagnant water sits, it can freeze, expand, and crack piping. The resulting water damage can require costly repairs and lead to mold growth and other issues. If your piping does freeze, it’s important to recognize the signs. A heating contractor can take steps to thaw them before cracking occurs and help you prevent repeat incidents.

Signs Your Pipes Have Frozen

1. No Running Water

The most obvious sign of frozen pipes is that no water is running. When water freezes in the pipes, it creates blockages. Never attempt to melt the frozen water by running more; gradually, it can create a pressure backup that can cause pipes to burst. Instead, reach out to an emergency heating contractor that specializes in pipe thawing. In the future, keep your faucets on drip when the temperature drops below freezing.

2. Frosted Pipes

Exposed piping can also be telling. Check piping running into your home or that’s visible in a basement or crawlspace. If there’s frost on the piping or the plumbing is cold to touch, the water may be frozen. Avoid turning on faucets if you find this and prevent future freezing by adding insulating wraps to the pipes.

3. Foul Smells

When ice blocks piping, trapped food and debris will begin to rot. The resulting smells won’t be able to pass and will instead come back up through sink and bathroom drains. This is also a common sign of food-based blockages. Shut off your home’s water supply and call a plumber. They’ll use professional tools to identify and thaw frozen areas.

4. Leaks

If piping has frozen and cracked, there will be noticeable leaking. This may or may not be apparent; however, it’s often accompanied by the previous signs. Stay ahead of problems by inspecting the visible parts of the system. Make sure there are no leaks around plumbing joints and fixtures, and check areas for pooling water. Small leaks are considered a plumbing emergency, so don’t delay scheduling services.

 

By recognizing signs of frozen piping, you can mitigate potential damage. The heating contractors at Kraft Heating will perform pipe thawing services to get your system back in working order. The company has served Fairbanks, AK, for over 20 years, offering comprehensive plumbing maintenance and installation services to clients. As a locally owned and operated company, they understand how important home systems are and proudly offer 24/7 emergency repair services. They can also address HVAC repairs and installations, which you can explore on their website. To schedule a heating contractor, call (907) 488-8989.