During the cold winter season, one of the largest plumbing concerns for many homeowners in cold states like Utah is frozen pipes. We all know water freezes below a certain temperature, and when it gets colder outside, we’re naturally worried about this happening to our home’s water supply.

At Whipple Plumbing, we’re here not only to help you repair or replace frozen pipes, but to help you avoid them in the first place. A big part of this involves recognizing the signs of frozen pipes early on, before they can cause significant damage. Here are a few common signs.

Temperature Changes

The first and most obvious indicator that you should be on the lookout for frozen pipes is the outdoor temperature. When it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re at a point where water can freeze. Temperatures are lowest at night, so be particularly diligent during these hours.

Lack of Water

Say you walk into your bathroom and turn on your faucet, but nothing comes out. You know no one has turned off your main water valve or made any other changes, but you can’t get any water to come out.

Guess what? You have frozen pipes. From here, call our experts and then check each faucet in the home to figure out which ones are at risk of bursting.

Sink Odor

If you notice a foul smell coming from sinks, it could mean pipes underneath the sink have frozen water in them. If ice is totally blocking a given pipe, bad odors can only move right back up your drain and into your home.

Frost Buildup

Certain pipes in your home will be exposed – generally in the basement, garage and under sinks. Check these pipes regularly during the winter for any visible signs of frost. Even the smallest amount could mean the water inside the pipe has already started to freeze. If this is a regular issue, you should consider insulation for these pipes to keep them warmer.

For more on the telltale signs of frozen pipes, or to learn about any of our other plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.