Your residential or commercial property plumbing system is very critical. It does not only ensure that there is proper drainage but also makes your property functional. This is why it is important to ensure that it is well maintained at all times by a professional plumber in BC. A plumbing system is susceptible to a wide range of problems. The pipes that make the plumbing system are prone to freezing. This usually happens during extremely cold weather conditions. The water pipes can freeze underground making the system inefficient. It is therefore important to understand the pipes that are more prone to freezing, problems that arise, and signs that the underground water pipes are frozen. Frozen underground water pipes can cause serious problems in your property. Not only do they cause inconveniences, but they can lead to severe and costly damages. Here are some of the major problems caused by frozen pipes.
No Running Water
This is the most common problem that arises when the underground water pipes freeze. When they freeze, it means water cannot go through them; therefore you cannot access water for various uses. This can be more problematic if you have tenants in your property since they cannot access water and this may lead to an exodus from your rental property. You need to call a plumber once you note there is no running water in your property.
High Risk of Bursting
When underground water pipes freeze, there is a high risk of bursting. When the water inside the pipes freeze, it means that there is more pressure created between the blockage and the closed faucet. With the buildup of pressure, the pipe can explode. In case the bursting occurs outside, slippery conditions may result when the temperatures are below freezing point.
There are certain underground water pipes with a high risk of freezing compared to others. Here are some of them.
Southern Climates
This is the most common problem that arises when the underground water pipes freeze. When they freeze, it means water cannot go through them; therefore you cannot access water for various uses. This can be more problematic if you have tenants in your property since they cannot access water and this may lead to an exodus from your rental property. You need to call a Vancouver plumber once you note there is no running water in your property.
Exterior Walls
The water pipes situated along the outside wall of a property are also at a high risk of freezing. They are at high risk because they lack the right amount of insulation that protects them from exterior temperatures.
Basements and Attics
Water pipes situated in basements or attics also have a high risk to freeze. The pipes do not get the same amount of heat compared to those in other parts of your property. Note that in case such areas are not used as living space, they may also lack the right amount of insulation.
There is a certain sign that your underground water pipes have frozen. Here are some of the signs to look for.
Presence of Frost Inside the Pipe
There are certain pipes you can see like under your bathroom or kitchen sinks. For such pipes, it is easy to see the frost that has built up on the outside parts of the pipes. The presence of frost is a good sign that the pipe has frozen. With this warning sign, you do not even have to open the faucet.
No Water Flowing from the Faucet
When you note that no water is coming from the faucet, then chances are high there is a frozen pipe. If you turn your bathroom or kitchen faucet and there is a little amount of water trickling or there is completely no water coming out, it shows that the water pipe heading to the faucet has frozen. You need to seek help from your plumber in BC.
Unusual Smell
If you note some strange smell coming from a drain or faucet, this shows there is a blocked pipe. Whether the pipe is completely or partially blocked the odor will come in the direction of the home. You may not be in a position to detect where the blockage is, so working with a professional plumber in Vancouver BC is the best option for you. When you note that your underground water pipes have frozen, you should act fast. If you take time before handling the issues, severe and costly damage may occur in your property. The cost of fixing a frozen pipe differs according to the location of the frozen pipe and whether the pipe has burst. You should get in touch with your Vancouver plumber to solve the problem in a professional and efficient manner.
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