When the temperature drops, the home plumbing components become more vulnerable than ever before. In short, the homeowner’s life becomes difficult due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Because of the low temperature, you are not able to start your car, and there are many other things that become difficult. Moreover, if you talk about your property, the winter season brings maintenance concerns. However, apart from various other issues, there is one problem that can damage the home if not attended to on time frozen water pipes.

This is one of the most dangerous and destructive issues that can happen to the home, as it can quickly cost you thousands of dollars worth of damage. So, in order to keep your home safe and secure, you must know about some of the signs that will tell you whether your home pipes are frozen or not. Let’s get started.

Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes

If you want to keep the home plumbing systems efficient, repair frozen pipes as soon as possible.

1. No water from the water pipes

This is one of the clear signs that show your home pipes are frozen. That means if the outside temperature is relatively low and the home faucets and fixtures are not offering water, then indeed, the pipes are frozen. However, in case of a partial freeze, you will get a slight trickle of water.

2. Low water pressure

If usually your home doesn’t have a low water pressure issue, but all of a sudden, the faucets and showers start giving less water, or there is no flow of water, it shows that your home pipes have been blocked with ice. However, once you come to know about this, check all the faucets and showers to know which one is more affected.

3. Visible frost

Another sign that shows your home pipes are frozen is visible frost. However, this sign is quite hard to spot, but if you look closely, you will find frost on the pipes. Moreover, the sign of frost can be easily seen on a section of pipes that are exposed. After you come to know about frost, you can take some proactive steps to melt the ice and also make some changes in the insulation and plumbing in order to avoid future freezing.

4. Bulging pipes

Bulging pipes means when pipes freeze due to the presence of ice inside them, they will swell or bulge; however, due to swelling or bulging, the water pipes of the home burst. So, next time when you notice this sign, ensure to call a professional plumber Aliso Viejo, Ca.

5. Water damage

This is one of the last and most serious signs that indicate your home plumbing pipes are frozen. That means if your home is suffering from water damage, then frozen pipes can be the apparent reason. This situation occurs when a pipe bursts, due to which water will pour inside the home, which you can see through various signs.

Examples include structural damage, flooding, cracks in walls or ceilings, the sound of running water, a strong, musty odor that shows there is mold and mildew, peeling and bubbling pair and wallpaper, and many more.

So, if you notice these above signs in your home, ensure to call a plumber in Aliso Viejo as soon as possible so that they can inspect the home and fix the issue.

How do you thaw frozen pipes to prevent any damage to the home?

In case of frozen pipes, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible so that problem can be fixed. But sometimes you are not the only one who is facing this issue because of which professional plumbers get late to reach your home. So, in this case, you have to take some steps to prevent further damage. First of all, turn off the main water valve of the home and then open all the faucets and fixtures so that they can quickly alleviate pressure in order to start the process of ice defrosting.

After that, take a heating pad or hair dryer and apply the heat to that part of the pipe that is frozen. Ensure not to go for open flame at any cost otherwise, and there will be severe damage to the pipe and also to the surrounding materials. If the problem is fixed, then it’s ok; otherwise, wait for the plumber in Aliso Viejo, Ca to fix the issue.

Things to keep in mind while thawing frozen pipes?

If you are looking forward to going for DIY methods to unfreeze frozen pipes, then, in my opinion, don’t go for it. But there are many other things that you can do if you are used to doing home maintenance work. So, if you want to try the attempt of thawing pipes, then keep the below tips in mind: –

1. Ensure to keep the faucets on

While doing the thawing process, water and steam will be produced, and your pipes must be open to discharge this. If you keep the faucets turned on, the moving water will run through the pipes, which will expedite the ongoing process.

2. Only apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe.

Only use an electronic heating pad to unfreeze the frozen pipes. This you will do by wrapping this electronic pad on the frozen pipe. Apart from that, you can also use a hair dryer; a towel soaked with hot water will help you to fix the problem. Remember one thing these fixes are temporary, and the permanent fix can be done by a professional plumber only. Moreover, please don’t leave the electronic pad unattended as it can erupt into fire.

3. Ensure not to do these things

While unfreezing the frozen pipes, ensure not to take the help of a blowtorch, propane, kerosene heaters, charcoal stove, or any other open flame device to thaw frozen pipes. The reason is it can erupt fire.

Steps to take to prevent the issue of frozen pipes

Basically, the ups and downs of the weather are not in our hands, but there are various things that we can do on our part to prevent the issue of frozen pipes. Some of them are: –

In case of low temperature, open all the kitchen cabinets so that warm air will circulate through the water pipes.
Make sure to insulate the areas near the vents and fixtures, which will prevent heat from escaping from the attic.
On coldest days, allow your home faucets to drip cold water, preventing water from freezing.
In order to protect the home, water lines ensure to keep the doors of the garage closed.
If you find any cracks in walls or ceilings, seal them.
If you know which part of the home water lines gets frozen, ensure to place a 60-watt bulb in that area.
Disconnect any hoses that are coming from outside of the house.

The bottom line

The problem of frozen pipes can cause severe damage to your home if you don’t take proactive steps. Taking preventive measures will become more essential in areas where the temperature goes below the freezing point for an extended period of time. But if by chance your home water pipes face the issue of frozen pipes, ensure to call a professional plumber in Aliso Viejo Ca to inspect the home and do the needful.

Now the question is which company to call to fix the issue of frozen pipes? So, don’t worry; we are here to help you out. That means if you don’t want to waste your hard earned money and do not want any damage to your home, then rely on EZ Plumbing USA. They offer exceptional services in San Diego County, Riverside County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.

The reason is they have experts in handling all types of plumbing issues with long-term outcomes. No matter what time you will call the company, you will get help within no time and quickly at an affordable price.

Frozen Pipes: Signs And How To Unfreeze Them?