Frozen pipes are a common problem when temperatures drop. You might not notice straight away, but if you turn on your tap and nothing comes out, or if the water just trickles, there’s a good chance you’ve got a frozen pipe. And if you leave it too long, it can turn into a burst pipe, which means serious damage. So, how do you find a frozen pipe before it becomes a bigger problem? That’s exactly what we’ll cover here.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Pipes freeze because the water inside them drops below zero degrees Celsius. When this happens, the water turns to ice and expands. That expansion can put pressure on the pipe walls, which can cause them to crack or burst. But even if the pipe doesn’t burst, the ice will block water from flowing through, which means you’ll have no water coming out of your taps.
Pipes are more likely to freeze if they’re in unheated spaces, like lofts, basements, garages, or outside walls. Poor insulation can also make pipes more likely to freeze.
How Do You Know If You Have a Frozen Pipe?
The first sign of a frozen pipe is usually a lack of water flow. You turn on a tap, and either nothing comes out or only a trickle. But there are a few other signs to watch out for:
- Frost on the outside of the pipe.
- An unusual smell coming from your taps or drains (this can happen if the pipe is blocked and water has nowhere to go).
- In some cases, you might even hear a strange noise when you try to turn on a tap.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to start looking for the frozen pipe.
Where Are Frozen Pipes Most Likely to Be?
Not all pipes are at risk of freezing. Some are more exposed to cold temperatures than others. Here are the most common places you’ll find frozen pipes:
- Outside Walls: Pipes that run along the outer walls of your home are more likely to freeze because they’re closer to the cold air.
- Unheated Areas: Places like lofts, basements, garages, or sheds can be very cold, especially if they’re not properly insulated.
- Under Floors: Pipes that run under wooden floors can freeze if the floor space isn’t properly insulated.
- Crawl Spaces: These are often cold and damp, which makes them a prime spot for frozen pipes.
How to Find the Frozen Pipe
Finding a frozen pipe isn’t always easy, but there are a few steps you can take to narrow it down:
- Turn on All Your Taps: Start by turning on all the taps in your home. If some of them work fine but others don’t, that gives you a clue about which area the frozen pipe is in.
- Check Exposed Pipes First: Look at any exposed pipes in unheated areas – in the loft, the basement, the garage, or outside. If you can see frost on the outside of a pipe, that’s a good sign it’s frozen.
- Feel for Cold Spots: Run your hand along the length of the pipe. If part of it feels much colder than the rest, that could be where the ice is.
- Listen for Sounds: In some cases, you might hear a slight cracking or popping noise from a frozen pipe as the ice expands.
- Use a Temperature Gauge: If you have one, a temperature gauge can help you quickly check if a pipe is below freezing.
If you’ve done all this and still can’t find the frozen pipe, it might be hidden behind a wall or under the floor. In that case, you might need to take a different approach.
What If You Can’t See the Frozen Pipe?
If the pipe is hidden behind a wall, under the floor, or in another hard-to-reach spot, you’ll need to get a bit more creative. Here’s what you can do:
- Trace the Pipes: Try to work out the path of your plumbing. Start from the taps that aren’t working and think about where the pipes might run.
- Look for Cold Spots on Walls: If the pipe is behind a wall, feel the wall surface. If it feels unusually cold in one spot, the pipe might be frozen there.
- Listen Carefully: Sometimes, if a pipe is frozen, you can hear it creaking or cracking. This can give you a clue about where it is.
- Check Near Cold Areas: If you know there’s a cold spot in your home – like a drafty corner or an unheated space – the frozen pipe might be nearby.
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe Safely
Once you’ve found the frozen pipe, the next step is to thaw it. But you have to be careful. If you heat the pipe too quickly, it can burst. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: If you can, turn off the water supply to the frozen pipe. This will reduce the risk of it bursting.
- Open the Tap: Turn on the tap connected to the frozen pipe. This gives the water a place to flow when it starts to thaw.
- Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hairdryer, a warm cloth, or a portable heater to gently warm the pipe. Never use a blowtorch, an open flame, or anything that can get too hot. Start at the end of the pipe closest to the tap and work your way along.
- Be Patient: Thawing a pipe can take time. Don’t rush it. Keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not leaking.
- Check for Leaks: Once the pipe has thawed, check it for any cracks or leaks. If it’s damaged, you’ll need to get it repaired.
What to Do If the Pipe Bursts
If the pipe bursts while you’re trying to thaw it, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Turn Off the Water Immediately: This stops more water from flooding out.
- Turn Off Electricity If Needed: If the water is near any electrical sockets or appliances, turn off the power in that area for safety.
- Drain the System: Open your taps to let any remaining water drain out of the system.
- Call an Emergency Plumber: You’ll need professional help to repair the damage.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing Again
Once you’ve dealt with the frozen pipe, it’s worth taking steps to stop it from happening again. Here are some things you can do:
- Insulate Your Pipes: Use pipe insulation or foam tubing to keep your pipes warm, especially in unheated areas.
- Leave Heating On: During cold weather, keep your heating on low, even if you’re out. This helps keep your pipes warm.
- Open Cabinet Doors: In the kitchen or bathroom, open cabinet doors to let warm air reach the pipes under the sink.
- Seal Drafts: Make sure any gaps around windows, doors, or other openings are sealed to keep out cold air.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed: If you have pipes running through your garage, keep the doors closed to keep it warmer.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
You can deal with many frozen pipes yourself, but there are times when it’s best to call in a professional. Here are a few situations where you should get expert help:
- You Can’t Find the Frozen Pipe: If you’ve tried everything and still can’t locate the problem, a plumber can use specialist tools to find it.
- The Pipe Has Burst: This is a job for a professional. You’ll need someone who can repair the damage properly.
- You’re Not Comfortable Thawing the Pipe: If you’re worried about doing it wrong, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- It Keeps Happening: If your pipes keep freezing, a plumber can help you find a permanent solution.
Final Thoughts
Finding a frozen pipe can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s important to deal with it quickly. If you catch it early, you can avoid a burst pipe and the damage that comes with it. The key is to know where to look and to thaw the pipe carefully.
Remember, prevention is always better than a cure. So, once you’ve sorted the problem, take some time to make sure your pipes are properly protected against the cold. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a plumber. Sometimes, a little professional help is the best way to keep your home safe and dry.
Do you have frozen pipes in Wigan or somewhere nearby? Contact M Plumbing today for a free, no-obligation quote.
