SERVPRO: Watch out for these signs of frozen pipes

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog talks about the signs of frozen pipes that property owners must be alert about to prevent water damage.

Identify the signs of frozen pipes this winter

Frozen pipes during winters are not only a nuisance but also very dangerous for the residents. SERVPRO shares simple ways to identify the symptoms of freezing pipes so homeowners can take timely actions and prevent a catastrophic water damage event.

Water expands when it freezes over putting enormous pressure on the pipes until it explodes. One of the most obvious consequences of a frozen pipe is the inability to access running water, which can disrupt daily activities. As the problem remains unaddressed, the pipes burst to lead to slippery conditions in the freezing temperatures beside the damage caused to the structure and contents.

Where does it happen?

Southern Climates

Regions that rarely see cold temperatures may be particularly vulnerable to freezing. The obvious lack of insulation around the pipes makes the pipes in southern climate zones freeze around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Exterior Walls

As temperature drops, water pipes located along the exterior walls of a home become vulnerable to freezing due to inadequate insulation. 

Attics and Basements

Pipes in attics or basements are also very prone to freezing as they are devoid of the heat that the rest of the house receives and there is a lack of insulation as well. 

The signs of a frozen pipe:

• Strange odor from the faucet

A potential sign of frozen pipes somewhere will show up as a distinct and odd smell emanating from the faucets. Sewage has a distinctly unpleasant odor and can be a dead giveaway that something is wrong. If the pipe is blocked, the only way for the odor to get out is through the faucet or the drain.

Owners must pay particular attention to sinks, toilets, and drains on the lower level of a home or building.

• Erratic or no water supply

When water freezes and expands, the pipes will crack and disrupt the water supply. When the faucet is turned on and there is no water or too little or if the water stream is too slow or uneven, it is a sign that the pipes are frozen. 

• Frost on the pipes

Visible pipes can be inspected for frost on the exterior surface. Bulging pipes are also an indicator of frozen pipes. Wet and ices pipes should be immediately addressed by a professional plumber and water damage restoration expert. 

• Freezing temperature 

Pipes freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for at least half a day. In areas where insulation is poor and temperatures are not expected to drop in general, the pipes may freeze sooner. 

Once a frozen pipe is detected, owners must act quickly to thaw the pipe. Depending on the location of the pipe and level of expertise, owners can try to thaw the pipe themselves or contact a licensed plumber to thaw the pipe. It is imperative to thaw the pipe as soon as possible because it has the potential to burst and cause extensive damage to the property.

The cost of fixing a frozen pipe

Estimating this cost is tricky because each situation is unique. Two factors that play a huge role in cost are the location of the pipe and whether the pipe has burst.

Scenario 1: If the blockage has been accessed, such as a pipe under a kitchen sink, owners might be able to thaw the blockage without any cost by using a hairdryer or hot rags. However, a blockage buried in a wall is obviously inaccessible for owners. Owners may spend a few hundred dollars cutting open sheetrock to find the problem or more than a thousand if a plumber is needed to find and thaw out the blockage.

Scenario 2: If the frozen pipe bursts to cause flooding, property owners may be faced with thousands of dollars of damage. Hiring a plumber to fix the burst pipe as well as restoring the damage caused by the flooding may increase the cost of fixing the issue. With proper insurance, some of these costs may get covered.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County today at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com