As the winters are here, there are some property maintenance concerns that you, as a homeowner, must be aware of. One of the major issues that you can face is a frozen water pipe. Frozen pipes not only create a lot of inconveniences but also cause damage to your property.
Frozen pipes are dangerous as they can shut down access to water, and in the worst cases, they can burst. The lines explode because of the water that freezes inside the tube. Such situations can prove to be terrible and messy. You then had to expend considerable money to fix the issue.
However, costly expenditures can be saved to a great extent if professional plumbing services are hired at the right time.
Now, let us look at what are the signs of frozen pipes.
1. You hear unusual sounds –
When you use the sink or flush the toilet, air that cannot escape creates a bubbling noise. It can indicate a broken pipe and thus should be inspected at the earliest. Other noises you should look for are banging, gurgling, whistling, or rattling. If the line is damaged or dented, a portion becomes smaller for water to pass, leading to whistling sounds. Furthermore, if you hear a whistling sound suddenly, get it checked immediately by the plumber. If not paid attention, increased water pressure on damaged pipes can cause the line to burst, thus intensifying the problem.
2. You sense odd odors –
One of the potential signs of a blocked pipe is a weird smell coming from toilets, drains, or sinks. Experts suggest that any unpleasant odor in the kitchen or bathroom should not be ignored and checked by an expert as soon as possible. Paying attention to the problems when they are minor can save you from their major damages later.
3. You have access to no or little water –
If the water freezes inside supply pipes or in the faucet, then the water pressure is affected to a great extent. It can affect the amount of water you get, or it may stop entirely in one or more taps.
4. You see damp drywall –
Leaking pipes lead to wet drywall because of water seepage. It indicates that something is wrong and should not be ignored.
5. There is a wet or iced pipe –
On inspecting exposed pipes, such as those under the sink, you may notice that frost has accumulated on the pipe’s exterior. This also serves as a warning sign that your line is frozen.
6. Hire Plumbing Services At The Earliest
Once you are sure about the frozen pipe, act quickly to thaw the pipe. Contact the nearest plumber to inspect the issue and get it repaired immediately.