Frozen Pipes in Fort Wayne
Frozen pipes aren’t usually something that’s on the forefront of everyone’s mind when the winter’s chill gives way to spring flowers, but how often have the daffodils never blossomed due to an unforeseen cold front? On the first warm day of the season, it’s natural to break out the hose, grab a sponge, and scrub the winter’s salt from the car. But be careful, the same cold front that wiped out the pretty yellow daffodils can wreak havoc on your home’s water pipes.
How to Keep the Frost Out of Pipes
The first instinct when severe weather hits is to lock the doors, seal the shutters, and hunker down with a hot drink. No one’s saying, “Oh wait, what about the pipes?” Here’s a list of tips to combat a cold front’s unanticipated consequences. After all, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, and cheaper.
Let the Faucets Drip
Yes, the drip, drip, drip is annoying, but it keeps the water flowing, and that’s key in preventing water from freezing. A few nickels and dimes for a few drips here and there is nothing compared to the cost of fixing a burst pipe.
Don’t Let Cracks Go Unnoticed
Check behind the mountain of cleaning supplies and take a peek at the caulking around the pipes. If there are cracks, seal them. If there are holes, repair them. Anything that will keep the cold air out is a life-saving precaution for your pipes and your pocketbook.
Keep The Circulation Flowing
If your pipes are hidden behind cabinet doors, open them. The heat might be on, but it’s little use in protecting your pipes if the doors are shut and the rooms closed off. Let your energy bill go to good use and let the heat seep into the home’s bones. Well, in this case, the pipes.
Turn the Thermostat on Heat
Don’t turn the thermostat off when you leave the house. It might save a little bit of pocket change upfront, but if the extra heat keeps the plumbing in your home from freezing, it’s money well spent.
Keep the Pipes Bundled Up
Just like a winter jacket, the more insulation exposed pipes have, the more heat is retained. Add a little self-sealing foam, rubber insulation, or a fiberglass cover, and you should be ready to go.
What to Look Out For
Don’t ignore warning signs. If a pipe in your home has already burst, the chances are it’ll present itself in one of these six ways.
Open Tap, No Water
If you turn on your faucet and notice only a trickle of water is coming out, or worse, there’s no water, it’s safe to assume your pipes have already frozen.
Signs of Ice on Exposed Pipes
If you notice ice coating an exposed pipe, it’s also on the inside. Water expands when it freezes, so it will cause pipes to crack or rupture. By the time this happens, the damage is already done. You’ll want to leave it up to the professionals to get your pipes back on track.
There Is an Unpleasant Odor
Water lines are not the only pipes that can break. If you’re noticing a particularly pungent stench, this might mean the sewer lines have burst.
There Are Unusual Noises
If you hear odd noises such as clanging, banging, or groaning after you’ve turned on the tap, turn off the water right away. These noises don’t always mean there’s ice clogging up the piping, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Then, call for help.
There Are Noticeable Cracks
A crack in the pipe is only the beginning of your problems, especially if it’s not leaking. No water means ice is blocking the crack, creating a temporary seal. When the ice thaws, it will put pressure on the already compromised structure and cause a massive burst.
There Is Water Where There Shouldn’t Be
Is the drywall wet? Are there coffee-like stains on the ceiling? Does it look like it’s rained in your kitchen? Yes, you guessed it: it’s a pipe problem. Although the time of prevention has passed, you can still avoid further damage by making the right calls to the right people.
Fort Wayne Frozen Pipe Repair
Frozen pipes are common in Fort Wayne because of temperamental weather patterns that occur during seasonal changes. The rapid heating and freezing cycles cause a variety of issues in a structure’s foundation, bones, and internal workings. If any of these misfortunes have befallen your home, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help permanently fix broken or leaking pipes at a competitive rate.
