Winters bring in a variety of issues for homeowners, including tasks like clearing out heaps of snow from the driveway, preventing ice dams and leaks from the snow covered roof.

Another major problem common amongst all these homeowners is dealing with frozen water pipes. The water that freezes can create immense pressure inside the pipes, causing any pipe filled with water to burst. Broken pipes can result in gallons of water being wasted, resulting in major damages and expensive repairs.

You should beware to know when a pipe is actually frozen; why to thaw out frozen pipes, and what are the different types of pipes that are vulnerable to freezing.

Here are some signs that may indicate your pipes have frozen:

No running water: To state the obvious, when you turn the faucet handle and no water flows out, it’s a sign that you may have a frozen pipe, blocking the flow of water.

Damp walls: If a pipe bursts, it may cause an inside drywall of your home to start dampening. You may also notice wet patches near the ceiling.

Strange noises: If you turn on a tap and hear a rumbling noise, it is an indication that there is a blockage preventing water to flow out. Stop the water main water supply to prevent a pipe from bursting.

Frost on the pipes: If you notice frosting on the outer part of the pipe, it is possible that the water flowing inside the pipe could be frozen too.

There are high chances of the pipe bursting when too much pressure is produced between the frozen water blockage and the faucet. But not all pipes freeze. There are some pipes that are more vulnerable to freezing than others.

Exterior walls: Pipes that run along the exterior walls of the house are more prone to freezing as they may lack adequate amount of insulation, which protects them from the outside temperatures.

Attics and basements: Pipes that are not receiving the same amount of heat as the rest of the house have a greater tendency to freeze. Since these pipes are not used in living spaces, they may not be adequately insulated.

Southern climates: Pipes that are located in places that rarely experience cold climates are susceptible to freezing. Places which do not experience cold temperatures annually, have pipes that are not well insulated.

Once you find out that a pipe has frozen in your property, it is best to thaw it out quickly to avoid major damages. You can attempt to thaw it yourself, but if you don’t have any experience dealing with frozen pipes, it is best you contact a licensed plumber to do the job for you.

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