Frozen pipes can cause many issues in your home and lead to major leaks. Learn what a frozen pipe looks like, how to prevent it, and what to do if they do freeze.
The Problem With Frozen Pipes
With water’s ability to expand when it’s frozen, it can cause damage if this happens within the pipes of your home. No matter what material the pipes are made of, such as plastic or metal, the expanding water is strong enough to break through them. The pipes most likely to freeze are those exposed to severe cold, supply pipes in unheated interior areas, and pipes that run along the exterior spaces with little to no insulation protection.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
To prevent pipes from freezing during the winter months, be sure to follow the checklist below.
- Keep the garage closed when possible to help keep any exposed pipes out of the elements.
- Occasionally open the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air circulation. When doing this, be sure to move any harmful chemicals or products out of the reach of children.
- Set the thermostat and keep it at the same temperature both day and night to ensure there is not a major fluctuation to help keep the warm air flowing.
- If you’re going away for a few days or longer, be sure to leave your heat on and make sure it is set to no lower than 10°C.
Signs Of A Frozen Pipe
There is nothing more stressful than having a frozen pipe in your home, considering the abundance of damage it can cause. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- If you turn on your faucet and only have little trickles of water coming out. This applies to sink faucets along with showers and toilets.
- If you begin to smell something funky from the drains, the pipes are likely frozen. Keep in mind that this can affect multiple drains or just one.
- Visible frost on pipes or faucets can also be another sign of frozen pipes.
- Any water damage can be a leaking pipe likely caused by a burst. This can look like peeling or bubbling wallpaper or paint, mould growth, running water with no faucets on, and structural damage.
Contact Us
If you run into any questions or issues be sure to contact the experts at Bronco. Preparing for winter can be a daunting task, along with not knowing if a pipe is frozen, so be sure to book a consultation if you’re unsure. We’re here to help!
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