The plumbing system plays a starring role in every home. Without it, houses won’t have access to clean water supplies. Wastes that go through toilets, baths, and sinks won’t have anywhere to go either.
Considering the importance of the plumbing system, homeowners should take time to check on theirs to ensure that it is in proper order. Since plumbing systems are always running, they have high chances of wearing down quickly, resulting in disaster.
A problem you may encounter involves frozen pipes. This article will discuss some telltale signs and how to address them to save your home from further damage.
What Are the Signs of Frozen Pipes?
Frozen pipes are a common issue during winter. When pipes are not insulated enough, they are prone to freezing up. Here are some signs you need to watch out for to know when to act:
1. Slow Water Flow
If your faucets or shower heads aren’t producing the same amount of water as usual, it means your plumbing system has been affected. Frozen pipes most likely caused this problem.
When pipes are frozen, they cannot release water through the openings. In some cases, the water supply may stop coming in through your pipes completely.
2. Gurgling Sounds
If you notice odd noises coming from your water supply, it is a sign that the pipes are frozen. The water freezes and expands, causing the lines to crack.
Sometimes, gurgling sounds are the only clue you have. In other cases, homeowners may see water overflowing from the pipes. If it has reached that point, it may be time to call on plumbing and drain service.
3. Foul Odors
Likewise, if you notice that your water supply smells different, you may have a problem with your plumbing system. If you smell sewage, you need to immediately get to the root of the issue.
Frozen pipes can be the culprit behind these nasty smells. In some cases, homeowners might notice the stench because of the raw sewage backed up due to the frozen pipes.
How Can Homeowners Fix Frozen Pipes?
Fortunately, all is not lost if your home has frozen pipes. If you spot them early, frozen pipes can have easy fixes, some of which you can see below:
1. Cut Off the Water Supply
Before starting with any pipe repair, you need to cut off the water supply. Doing so will prevent any water from leaking out in the process.
You can accomplish this feat by turning off the water valves or closing the main water supply line. If you have no experience working with pipes, you may want to call a plumbing company early to save time and money.
2. Thaw the Pipes
After cutting off the water supply, you can now start the repair process. The first step is to thaw the frozen pipes. The most effective way to do this is to use a hairdryer or space heaters.
This method works by blowing hot air into the frozen pipes. The warmth will break the ice, allowing the water to resume flowing.
3. Clean the Leakage
You’re lucky if your pipes don’t burst, meaning you’ll only have to deal with the water leaks and spills after you have sufficiently warmed up your pipes.
When cleaning up, proceed as you usually do, and mop the floors, taking care not to splash any electronics in the process. If, by chance, the situation is worse than you expected, make sure to call a professional plumbing company to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Frozen pipes can be dangerous to your home if you don’t address them immediately. Don’t hesitate to act if you notice any signs of frozen pipes on your property.
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. You can also buy materials such as pipe heaters to keep them at a constant temperature.
If you’re running into severe issues with frozen pipes, don’t hesitate to call a plumbing company in Birmingham, AL. Professor Plumb is a proficient and reliable company you can trust for your plumbing needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services!