Even here in Arizona, temperatures can dip below freezing. When that happens, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a real concern for homeowners. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you prevent costly damage and maintain your home’s plumbing. Here’s what to watch for and the steps to take if you suspect your pipes are freezing.
1. Decreased Water Pressure
As ice forms inside a pipe, it starts to block the flow of water. You may notice that some or all of your faucets produce only a small trickle of water rather than the usual outpour.
Some or all faucets may also stop working entirely. That’s when the flow of water is completely blocked due to ice. You may also have no running water if a pipe bursts due to freezing.
2. Unusual Sounds
Pipes in the process of freezing are often described as gurgling, banging, or even clanking. Water expands as it freezes. The resulting ice fills more space than the water and pushes against the pipe’s interior wall, producing these noises. It’s also possible to hear chunks of ice flowing through the pipes before the water fully freezes. If you hear a loud popping sound, it’s likely a bursting pipe. That may lead to leaking water that could damage your property.
Don’t assume that your pipes are in no danger of freezing if you don’t hear anything unusual. Many people experience frozen pipes without noticing any noise.
3. Visible Frost
Some pipes inside your home, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, or garages, are particularly vulnerable to freezing. When temperatures drop, you may notice frost forming on the exterior of these pipes. This visible frost is a clear sign that the water inside is at risk of freezing. Recognizing this early warning can help you take action before the freezing progresses and causes the pipe to burst.
4. Bulging or Cracked Pipe
Bulging is the result of pressure building inside a pipe as water freezes. The more the pressure builds, the more it threatens the integrity of the pipe. Eventually, the pipe may start to bulge and can crack or break.
Cracked pipes are a serious threat to your home. Water left inside the pipe unfrozen will leak out. As the water thaws, even more water will leak, damaging surrounding areas. It’s important to reach out to an experienced plumber as soon as you notice bulging or cracked pipes.
5. Sewage Odor
A sewage odor in your home indicates an exterior sewer line has frozen. When these pipes freeze, they block the flow of wastewater and trap sewer gases, causing the foul smell to back up into your home. This odor is often strongest near drains in sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
What to Do When You Notice Warning Signs
Once you notice one or more signs that your pipes are freezing, it’s important to act quickly. Begin by inspecting your home for any signs of leaking water. Check under sinks, around exposed pipes, and in areas where pipes are most vulnerable, such as basements, crawl spaces, or unheated rooms.
A frequent question many homeowners have is what to do if you suspect a leaking or burst pipe. Immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve to your home. You will usually find the shut-off valve where the water line enters your house, such as in a basement, utility room, or near an exterior wall near the hose bib. Turning off the water if there is a burst pipe or leak helps prevent further damage from flooding and reduces the risk of costly repairs. Once the water is shut off, contact a licensed plumber. They will know how to correct the problem quickly, minimizing the time you go without running water.
If you don’t notice signs of a leaking or burst pipe but suspect a frozen pipe, you may still want to call a plumber for repair. They can help you determine if your pipes are freezing and what you can do to stop the process. Ideally, you will prevent a cracked or burst pipe by taking immediate action, but having an appointment set means you’re ready to fix it if needed.
Simple Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Arizona
As the coldest nights of the year approach, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of frozen pipes.
Add Insulation
For long-term protection against frozen pipes, consider insulating areas of your home outside the main living quarters. Vulnerable spaces, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, are often less heated and more exposed to temperature drops.
Homeowners can use several types of insulation to safeguard their pipes. Pipe insulation sleeves, made of foam or rubber, can be wrapped directly around pipes to provide a protective barrier against freezing temperatures. For the surrounding spaces, fiberglass batts, rigid foam boards, or spray foam insulation can help insulate walls, ceilings, and floors. By insulating these areas, you not only reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes but can also decrease how often your heating system has to run.
Keep the Water Moving
Allowing faucets to trickle water during cold snaps is a simple but effective way to prevent your pipes from freezing. When water flows continuously, it becomes less susceptible to freezing.
To make this approach more effective, focus on faucets connected to pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated spaces like basements or crawl spaces. Additionally, turning on both the hot and cold water taps slightly ensures that both supply lines are protected, as freezing can occur in either.
Maintain Consistent Temperature
Lowering your thermostat at night may be tempting because you will be warm and cozy under warm blankets. However, turning down the heat too far to save on energy costs can leave your pipes vulnerable to freezing. To prevent a plumbing disaster, keep your home at a consistent temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit around the clock, even at night.
Open Cabinet Doors
When temperatures approach freezing, open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially at night. This practice allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes, especially those near exterior walls. The more warmth your pipes receive, the less likely they are to freeze.
Prepare if You Are Going to be Away
If you plan to be away for more than a night or two, consider shutting off the main water supply to your home. After turning off the water, drain the remaining water from your pipes by running the faucets and flushing the toilets. This extra step can significantly reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes while you’re away.
Contact Your Local Plumbing Experts
At AZ Family Plumbing, we have served the residents of Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas for years. Our experienced team can inspect your pipes to make sure they’re prepared for the dropping temperatures. If you do experience frozen or burst pipes, our emergency services will get the water thawed and flowing as quickly as possible. We can also help with all your drain cleaning, sewer repair, and water treatment needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
