Frozen Pipes? Signs That Indicate A Frozen Pipe Has Burst
If the temperatures have hit the freezing mark, and you suddenly notice water flooding into your home from the walls or a visible pipe, there is a good chance a frozen pipe has burst. However, while there are many times when a burst frozen pipe will be very noticeable, there are other times when you may not have those obvious signs of a burst pipe. This is why it's important to take note of the lesser known signs that a pipe has burst. Here are a few of those signs.
You Notice a Large Damp Spot on Your Wall
One of the signs of a pipe that has frozen and burst is a damp spot on the wall. This typically happens when there is water in the pipes, but not enough to cause noticeable flooding. Luckily, it is fairly easy to tell when drywall is wet. It may become discolored and may look wavy in appearance. If you notice something different about the wall or ceiling, and it feels wet to the touch, it is time to call in a plumber to find the burst pipe.
You Have Lost Water Pressure
Another sign of a burst pipe in your home is a loss of water pressure. If a pipe has burst, either due to freezing or age, not all of the water that is traveling through the pipe will continue into the water source you have running. Instead, some will seep out. Because of this, you will notice a decrease in the pressure of your water when you shower, use the sink or flush the toilet. Unfortunately, there are other reasons why you may experience a sudden decrease in water pressure. Calling in a plumber as soon as the drop in pressure is noticed will help find and fix the problem, which may include a frozen pipe that burst.
You Notice an Unpleasant Odor
Some of your pipes bring water into your home. Others carry waste our of your home. And when temperatures are cold, both types of pipes can burst. If a pipe that carries waste out of your home freezes and bursts, there is a good chance you will begin to smell an unpleasant odor in the area of the burst pipe. If you smell an odor, but can't identify where it is coming from, try smelling your walls or floors. If the smell intensifies in these areas, there is a good chance a pipe has burst and you will want to call in a plumber (such as one from A Absolute Plumbing & Heating).
If a frozen pipe has burst, you will want to call in a plumber as quickly as possible. Since the majority of pipes in your home are hidden, they will need to find the pipe and then work to replace it. This can prevent extensive damage, so as wood rot and mold, that can occur is water slowly leaks out of a burst pipe. Knowing what signs to look for can help you determine that you have a frozen pipe that has burst.