Cleveland-area homes face a significant risk of frozen water pipes every winter. Even with the pipes submerged belowground, cold temperatures can penetrate the soil and start to freeze the water. Pipes in your crawlspace, exterior walls, and attic are also vulnerable if you don't have sufficient insulation.
Frozen pipes can cause significant short-term and long-term problems such as:
Flooding occurs if a pipe bursts under the pressure
Leaks and hard-to-notice water damage if the stress crack is small and hidden away
Interruptions to your access to water if you have to shut off your home's water while you wait for repairs
Mold, which can grow and spread wherever there is undetected water damage
Expensive plumbing damage, such as cracked or burst pipes, will need to be replaced
If you're worried about frozen pipes this winter, coordinate with a service that specializes in frozen pipe repair in Cleveland before temperatures fall to get an inspection and professionally winterize your pipes.
Signs of Burst or Frozen Pipes
Once winter begins and your neighborhood is in freezing temperatures, it's important to stay vigilant for the first signs of frozen pipes. These signs include:
Low water pressure, indicating that the pipe's interior is partially blocked
No water flow, indicating that the pipe is completely frozen through—having your pipes frozen with no water flow is one of the most common signs of frozen pipes
Banging or gurgling in the pipes when the tap is on
Frost on exposed pipes, especially if they are outside
Once pipes freeze, they are likely to crack or burst. Water expands as it freezes, and without anywhere to escape, this pressure will build up until it overwhelms the pipe or closest pipe joint and makes the frozen pipe burst. This damage will be visible to exposed pipes. You may see drips or large streams of water. Water drips might also freeze along the surface if it's a small crack.
But pipes in the walls can also burst. Listen for sharp bangs (the pipes cracking) and the sound of flowing water.
Prevention Tips
Before you need frozen pipe repair in Cleveland, always take steps to winterize your home. These steps include:
Wrapping exposed pipes in hefty insulation so the cold air can't reach them
Blowing out irrigation or outdoor pipes and shutting the connection so there is no water in them in the winter
Opening cabinets inside your home so warm air can circulate the pipes
During extended freezes, keep the water moving by leaving taps dripping
24/7 Emergency Pipe Repair Services in Cleveland
At 1-800-Plumber +Air in Cleveland, we provide both routine pipe repair services and 24/7 emergency pipe repair. Whether you want to check your pipes after a long freeze or you hear a pipe crack in the middle of the night, one of our certified plumbers can inspect the damage and make repairs. Contact us today to learn more about frozen pipe safety or to schedule a service appointment for a frozen pipe fix.
