Wyomingites are not strangers to the state’s long, harsh winters. From heavy snowfall to freezing temperatures, homeowners in the state must ensure that their property is prepared for whatever the winter season brings. Without proper preparation, they can run into serious issues. One of the most common is frozen pipes. When plumbing lines are poorly insulated, the water inside can freeze, expand, and damage the pipe walls. This often leads to leaks, bursts, flooding, and costly repairs once the ice thaws. It’s essential for Wyomingites to understand how to know if pipes are frozen and what steps to take if the problem occurs.
Early Warning Signs That Pipes May Be Frozen
Frozen pipes do not always burst immediately. They can also be salvageable with quick action. However, the longer they stay frozen, the more likely it is that the pipe will become damaged. There are signs of frozen pipes that every homeowner should be on the watch for to address these issues early on and prevent the problem from escalating. Here is how to know if your pipes are frozen early on.
- Little to No Water Flow. The faucets trickle or stop flowing completely.
- Frost on Pipes. There is visible ice buildup on pipes in poorly insulated areas.
- Unusual Sounds. Homeowners may hear clanking or gurgling as ice restricts the water flow and pressure builds.
How to Check if Your Pipes Are Actually Frozen
Sometimes the signs of frozen pipes can be difficult to identify, and a more thorough inspection is needed. While DIY evaluations can be effective, they can also lead to more pipe damage if you aren’t careful.
There are safe ways that homeowners can confirm frozen plumbing lines. For example, homeowners can test multiple faucets to determine which line is affected or feel any exposed pipes to detect cold spots or hardness. Unheated areas like basements, crawlspaces, and attics should be monitored closely for winter plumbing issues as well.
Common Places Where Pipes Freeze in Cold Weather
Cheyenne temperatures often drop to 32°F or below in the winter, creating freezing temperatures. Any pipes that are exposed to this cold air substantially increase the risk of freezing. While vulnerable areas can vary from home to home, there are common locations homeowners should regularly check during the winter season.
- Exterior walls with minimal insulation.
- Unheated rooms such as garages or utility areas.
- Crawlspaces, basements, and attics with cold drafts.
- Outdoor faucets or spigots.
What to Do When You Suspect Frozen Pipes
So, you’ve found a frozen pipe — what should you do now? Frozen pipes are at high risk of bursting or leaking, and the next steps you take can either reduce or increase the chance of water damage. You may feel compelled to immediately thaw the frozen pipe, but the meltwater is what rushes through the damaged sections, causing leaks or bursts.
That’s why a careful assessment of the situation is critical. The actions you take next determine how the situation will end. Below are the recommended steps to take if you find a frozen pipe.
- Turn off the main water supply if a pipe is leaking or may burst.
- Open faucets to relieve the pressure in the lines.
- Call a professional if the pipe is damaged and needs extra attention.
- Begin warming the frozen pipe area slowly with safe heat sources like a hair dryer, heating pad, electric tape, or warm towels.
Avoid using unsafe heating methods like open flames or space heaters to melt the frozen pipe. These can damage the pipes further or create potential fire hazards.
When Frozen Pipes Become an Emergency
Many homeowners are unsure of how to know if their pipes are frozen and underestimate how serious winter plumbing issues can become. In some cases, frozen pipes can look like minor issues that can be easily resolved with a hair dryer. However, frozen pipes can quickly turn into a disastrous event if handled improperly.
For this reason, we recommend contacting water damage restoration experts to ensure that your home is properly taken care of. These professionals can assess the situation, determine the safest solution, and help prevent further flooding or structural damage. While it can sometimes be difficult to tell how urgent a frozen pipe issue may be, they should be considered emergencies in the following scenarios.
- Visible cracks or leaks suggest the pipe has burst.
- No improvement after attempting multiple safe thawing steps.
- Multiple pipes appear frozen throughout the home.
How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing in the Future
Cheyenne winters should not be taken lightly. They can cause many problems in a home if Wyomingites are not properly prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frozen pipe prevention tips to help homeowners protect their property and avoid costly repairs. Here are some practical winter preparation steps to take.
- Insulate exposed pipes in vulnerable areas.
- Seal drafts around windows, doors, and crawlspaces.
- Let faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures to keep water moving.
- Regularly inspect your home for exposed pipes or poor insulation to reduce frozen pipe risks.
Trusted Water Damage Restoration Experts That Are Here to Help
You don’t have to deal with the stress of a frozen pipe alone. Work with restoration experts that you can trust at ServiceMaster by Country Lane. Our technicians are extensively certified, highly trained, and well-equipped to handle water damage restoration projects of any size. We are also local to Cheyenne and understand the unique challenges homeowners face in the area. Being in close proximity to southeast Wyoming, we rapidly respond 24/7 to local homeowners in need when emergencies arise.
We’re committed to delivering high-quality service and care about protecting both your home and peace of mind. Contact ServiceMaster by Country Lane today!
