Why Burst Pipes Are a Threat This Winter
Water damage from burst pipes can be a property owner’s worst nightmare, and in the winter months when the temperature drops below freezing it becomes a very real danger. When water freezes, it expands, sending water up towards the closed faucet. This creates over 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch between the blockage and your closed faucet or shower, eventually causing burst pipes.
Not only is there a risk of flooding and damage inside your home or frozen slippery conditions on your property, but burst pipes could cause a hidden slow leak leading to thousands of dollars of hidden water damage. Fear not! There are tell-tale signs of frozen pipes that you can watch out for, so you’ll have the chance to fix a frozen pipe before it bursts.
Look For An Uneven Water Stream
Not all warning signs of frozen pipes are obvious. An uneven water stream when turning on a faucet or shower in your home is a warning sign not to be ignored. This happens as a result of uneven ice blockages in the pipe.The water is diverted around the ice formed in the pipe to create an uneven stream. It may also appear as a pressure issue such as spitting, a slow flow, or no water coming out of the faucet at all.
An uneven water stream may seem like a small inconvenience at the moment but can lead to much more serious damage down the line if not tended to.
Always Check For Frost On Pipes
Some signs of frozen pipes are more obvious than others. One of the easiest-to-catch signs of a frozen pipe is to physically see frost on pipes. Check for frost forming on any exposed pipes inside your home, such as under sinks, on the inside of an exterior wall, and in unheated areas such as in your attic, basement, crawl-spaces, or garage.
Any exterior pipes, such as outdoor faucets for a garden hose or outdoor sink, should be checked as well. Since outdoor pipes are exposed to the elements, you won't want to miss giving them a look. It is critical to address any frost on pipes immediately to avoid any water damage to your home and property from a burst pipe.
Don’t Ignore Unexpectedly Cold Water
One of the lesser-known warning signs of frozen pipes is unexpectedly cold water coming from your faucet or shower. For example, if you get in the shower set to your usual hot temperature, but instead you're getting luke-warm water coming out of your shower head, you may have frozen pipes.Or maybe the water you're brushing your teeth with suddenly feels so cold that it hurts your mouth. This happens when the flowing water mixes with icicles that have formed inside the pipes, causing colder-than-expected water.
If your water temperature suddenly seems off, it is time to investigate the possibility of frozen pipes before the situation escalates. Winter weather has the potential to wreak havoc on your home, but it doesn’t have to. Equipped with the warning signs of frozen pipes, you can prevent burst pipes before they happen, so you can rest easy this winter.
Have Confidence in Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing
Serving Northern Nevada for over 30 years, Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing provides honest cost-effective service that can solve all of your plumbing needs. From water heater repair and repiping services to bathroom plumbing remodeling, Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing is your trusted Reno family plumber.
