How to Find Frozen Spot in Water Line
Frozen water pipes can expand and burst when they thaw, which can lead to thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings, floors, walls, furniture and carpets. While the best way to prevent frozen pipes involves insulating and protecting your water lines, frozen pipes can occur even in well-prepared homes. By locating a frozen line and thawing it gradually, you can help reduce the chances of a burst pipe. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Turn on the water fixtures in various parts of your home to identify the one(s) that do not work. Water in areas with frozen lines will usually trickle or not come out at all. This will usually help you isolate your search to a specific area of your home, such as a bathroom or laundry room.
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Look for exposed pipes in the area where you suspect a frozen water line. You might need to go into the attic, basement or crawl space of the area to look for uninsulated pipes.
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Check the pipes for any signs of bulging or cracking. You might also notice frost on any frozen sections of exposed pipes. The frozen areas will usually be much colder to touch than the pipes with free-flowing water.
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Examine the pipe(s) that supply water to the compromised area from the main supply to the water fixture. If you do not find the frozen part in an exposed area, it might be hidden inside of a wall. You might need to open the drywall to thaw pipes hidden inside of a wall.
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Tips & Warnings
If no water in the house works, your main water line might be frozen. Check the areas where it enters your home (usually at the foundation or near the basement).
The American Red Cross recommends adding insulation to frozen pipes or relocating them to a more protected area to help prevent them from freezing.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor recommends calling a professional plumber if your pipes freeze. They suggest that you might be able to thaw them yourself using a source of gentle, consistent heat (such as a hair dryer)---but only after talking to a plumber first as well as ensuring that the compromised area has no standing water.
