How to Tell if You Have Frozen Pipes

During cold winter days, pipes filled with water can freeze if temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a day or two. Because the water in the pipes becomes solid, it expands. This can cause your pipes to burst, leading to property damage that can be severe and expensive to repair. Some of the commonly seen damage that results from burst water lines are ruined wallpaper, peeling paint and water-soaked drywall. To avoid these scenarios, check your pipes frequently to ensure they are not frozen.

Instructions

1. Turn on the faucets. If the outside temperature is below freezing and water does not come out, chances are your pipes are frozen.

2. Check your interior pipes for signs of cracks. Their location can vary from home to home; if your pipes are in the basement, inspect them for possible cracks that allow cold to seep into them, leaving them frozen. You must also inspect exterior pipes; if the pipes have cracks or openings, cold outside air can seep into the pipes and freeze them rapidly.

3. Contact a licensed plumber if water does not start flowing through faucets, showers and other water sources after a few hours. Improper thawing also can cause severe damage to your pipes and cause them to burst.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an ongoing problem with frozen pipes, have a plumber wrap your water pipes in heat tape. This plastic-coated tape is plugged into an outlet and wound around your pipes to warm them enough to keep them from freezing.

• On nights when you know the temperature is going to drop below freezing, allow your faucets to trickle just a little water to keep them from freezing.

• Do not attempt to heat frozen pipes with blow torches and open flames.

References

• City of Lincoln, Nebraska: Frozen Pipes