If you’ve ever had water pipes freeze in your home, you know that it can be, at the very least, a frustrating experience. If you are one of the unlucky homeowner’s who have actually had frozen water pipes burst, then you understand just how extensive the damage can be in that situation.
The water pipes that are mostly likely to freeze are those that are located in or near an outside wall or pipes in an unheated crawlspace. The water in the pipes can freeze during an unusually cold dip in temperature. This is usually not an issue in a well-insulated and heated home. Homes in areas that don’t normally have extremely cold weather can be susceptible, as well as homes which are vacant during a cold snap with no one maintaining the heat levels in the home.
The first sign that you have a frozen water pipe is often when you are unable to get any, or very little, water from a faucet. The ice in the pipe is blocking the flow of water. The danger of major damage comes not only from the fact that the ice may break the pipe itself, but that the break in the pipe could quickly flood your home with water.
A burst water line may not be immediately evident, since the ice in the pipe may actually be keeping the water blocked inside the pipe. It is when the ice begins to thaw that the leakage starts to happen and you are at risk of having gallons of water pour into your home. Professional plumbers understand these dynamics and know how to check for these potential problems. If you suspect frozen water pipes in your home, contact a plumber immediately so they can assess the situation and assist you in minimizing the damage which can result.
