Most of the time, it's a good thing that our pipes are not transparent. When there's a possibility that you have a frozen pipe, however, every homeowner has a moment when they wish they could see inside their pipes to know for certain. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if your pipes have frozen without needing X-ray vision. Our plumbers in Pittsburgh have a few tips on how to determine whether your pipes have actually frozen.
It's Cold Outside
Water cannot freeze if the temperature outside is above 32 degrees. If the mercury has dropped below freezing, you could have an issue with frozen pipes.
There Is Frost on the Pipe
If you can see your pipes, look for frost on the outside of the pipe. Even if your pipe isn't fully frozen, frost on the outside is a solid indicator that it's going that way.
No Water Is Coming Out
Another warning sign that you have a frozen pipe issue is that there is no water flow to spigots or toilets. If you turn on the pipe and a trickle comes out or nothing comes out at all, there's a solid possibility that your pipes have frozen.
Deal with Frozen Pipes Immediately
Once you realize a pipe has probably frozen, you need to take steps to thaw it promptly. Our residential plumbing experts recommend turning off water to the area, then warming the pipe section to allow it to thaw. You can use a hair dryer directly on the pipe, or you can warm the space with a space heater or a heat lamp. Be sure to have a bucket and some towels handy in case the ice plug was stopping up a leak.
If your frozen pipe is in a difficult space to access or you are not sure where it is, contact Stahl Plumbing. We are open 24/7 to help homeowners keep their plumbing running — even when the coldest weather hits.
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