Signs of Frozen Pipes

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

During the winter, frozen pipes are often an issue due to the low temperatures.  SERVPRO of Cecil County receives countless calls to assist with water damage due to frozen pipes.  This situation is an overwhelming one for homeowners and businesses, and it can lead to a large financial and stressful problem.  While frozen pipes are a significant problem in the winter, there are many signs you can inspect your property for so that you can stop the problem before it begins.

No Running Water

A common sign of a frozen pipe occurs when you turn your faucet on, only for no water to come out.  If the water pressure is low, this is also a warning sign that the pipe may have frozen or broken.

Cracked Pipes

This occurs when the pressure inside the pipe increases to a dangerous level that can possibly cause a pipe break.  This can lead to a large water damage situation if the water supply line is not shut off in time.

Signs of Water Damage

Inspect the interior of your property and look for signs that the water has been leaking such as wet drywall or water marks on the ceiling.  You should also check the interior and exterior of your home or facility for signs of water collection.

Frost on the Pipes

Frost, condensation or a misshapen pipe are all signs of a frozen pipe.  If you are able to see that your pipes are frozen, be sure to fix the issue before it gets worse.

Strange Odors

When a pipe freezes, the water will begin to build up, which can lead to an odor.  This is most prevalent in a sewer line pipe freeze, since this leads to a stronger odor.

Odd Sounds

If you have ice in your pipes, you may begin to hear banging or another type of odd noise from the ice inside the pipe.  Your hot water heater may even begin to make unpleasant sounds.

Always remember to check for signs of frozen pipes in the winter and seek the proper assistance for pipe issues or breaks.  Should you experience a frozen pipe, follow the proper actions to prevent further damage.  These include opening the faucet to allow the water to flow through the pipe, as well as applying heat to the pipe until the water begins to flow more naturally.

If the problem persists and a pipe break or water damage occurs, SERVPRO of Cecil County can help with the damage.  We are here to help with any size water damage event this winter and beyond!