While winters here in the Houston area aren’t as cold as they are in other places, we still should expect that temperatures will dip down to freezing at some point during the year.

Water freezes at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pipes are insulated and it gets that cold, they should be protected from freezing temperatures. However, some older homes don’t have properly insulated pipes, leading to frozen and possibly even damaged pipes. Even in newer homes with standard insulation, a prolonged power outage or extremely cold weather could cause pipes to freeze.

The problem can be expensive and time-consuming, disrupting your day and costing more than you want to spend on repairs. To help prevent damage to your pipes, we’ve compiled five of the most notable warning signs that your pipes are about to freeze.

What to Watch For

While the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. is always available to help fix frozen pipes, we believe it’s far better to stop your pipes from freezing in the first place. If you’re unsure how insulated your pipes are, keep an eye out for the following signs that your water is close to freezing or has already frozen.

Little to no water is coming out of your faucets and fixtures: In the colder months, if all you’re seeing is a trickle of water coming from your faucets, or if the water isn’t running at all, this is a sure sign that the pipes supplying your water have frozen somewhere along the way.
Signs of frost on exposed pipes: Examine the exposed pipes in your home, especially in the entryway, attic, and crawlspace, since pipes tend to lack insulation in rooms that are unheated or less insulated. Frost on the exterior of the pipes is in an indication that the water inside is freezing.
Bulging or cracked pipes: As the water in the pipes expands, so do the pipes. Expanded, bulging, or cracked pipes are a clear sign that your pipes are freezing.
An unpleasant odor coming from the drain: If water is trapped in your pipes, the odors are, too. This can result in a foul odor coming back into your sink, toilet, shower, or tub.
Strange sounds that occur when you flush the toilet: If the water in your pipes is starting to freeze, the ice may make it difficult for the toilet to flush.

What to Do If Your Pipes Have Frozen

If you notice any of these five warning signs, act fast to prevent further damage to your pipes. However, keep in mind that many plumbing woes can’t be handled by the typical homeowner. In fact, if you try to DIY your plumbing work, you may end up causing more harm than good. This is especially true of frozen pipes.

So, for all your urgent winter plumbing issues, turn to RedFin Plumbing Co. We can make sure your pipes are ready to handle whatever winter throws at them, year after year. We’ll help you insulate your pipes against future cold temperatures, saving you time and money. Our experienced team will also examine your pipes to make sure that they haven’t been cracked or damaged due to the freeze. Whether your pipes need to be repaired or replaced, our experienced team will get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Hire RedFin Plumbing Co. Today!

As temperatures fluctuate this winter, keep an eye out for the warning signs we went over. And for all of your plumbing needs, turn to RedFin Plumbing Co. Licensed and trained. As Plumber in Houston, we are ready to provide your plumbing project with all the care and dedication it deserves, so call us to schedule an appointment.