Are your pipes frozen? Cold weather can spell huge problems for your sewer system. For example, frozen pipes can cause the whole system to not function properly.
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient, but can cause damage to your property that winds up costing you a lot of money. And depending on your home insurance, it might not be covered.
Fortunately, there are ways to tell if your pipes are frozen. This can help you get a jump on fixing them before irreparable damage takes place.
Here are 5 signs that will help you know.
1. Frost
Frost on your pipes means two things. First, that it’s below freezing outside. Second, that water has likely frozen or is in the process of freezing.
After all, frost is a thin layer of ice found on a solid surface that forms after water vapor freezes. If there is visible frost on your pipes, that’s a sign that you need to do something.
You can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to thaw out specific sections of your pipes or try to run water through them. Moving water can help get things going again. Don’t apply too much heat to the pipes, though, as that can cause pressure to build up inside the pipe and break or crack it.
2. Uneven Water Flow
Is water coming out of your pipes at varying speeds or with varying pressures? This is another sign that your pipes are freezing. If it’s seriously cold out, you can all but guarantee that this is the case.
Since uneven water doesn’t tell you exactly where the problem is, be careful with heating certain parts of your pipes. Also, check your outside water faucet if it’s still on to see if it’s also happening there.
A septic pumping service can help and do the job professionally.
3. Odd Smells
Definitely an unpleasant one, but this is another sign that your sewer line is frozen. This indicates that there’s a blockage in your sewer pipe. Because this is the case, the smells only have one direction they can go—back where they came from.
4. Leaks
Frozen pipes can lead to leaks or cracks along the lining. Ice expands, which builds up pressure on the interior of the pipe and can cause damage.
Depending on the severity of the leaks, you may be able to fix it yourself. Another factor is how long the cold weather is going to persist. If you’re in for several days of freeze or live in an area where it’s cold several months out of the year, you may need to call someone.
Or, you can buy a compound sticking agent to seal the leaks in the meantime.
5. Water Isn’t Coming Out Of The Pipes
The last and most obvious sign is that water is no longer coming out of the pipes at all. This indicates ice has built up and is blocking new water from flowing through. If no water is coming out at all, call a plumber.
Pipes Frozen: Wrap Up
So, are your pipes frozen? These 5 tips will help you know. Look for leaks, blockages, odd smells, condensation, and uneven water flow.
And be sure to call a plumber if it’s serious—you’ll save a lot more money in the long run.