Winter presents a lot of home and property-related challenges. But one of the biggest—and potentially most expensive? Frozen pipes.
According to data from global technology, software, and engineering firm Emerson (outlined in a recent article from REALTOR® Magazine), a crack in a pipe that’s just ⅛ of an inch can spray 250 gallons of water a day—leading to costly damages. According to data from State Farm Insurance, also outlined in the article, the average insurance claim for frozen pipe-related water damage is $10,000.
In order to protect your home from frozen pipes, you need to know what to look for. According to the article, some of the most common warning signs that your pipes are frozen include:
Frost on the outside of the pipe
No running water (or a very slow trickle of water) from faucets when they’re turned to the “on” position
A visible crack or bulge in the pipe with ice around the exterior
An unpleasant or foul smell from the drains and/or faucets in your home
Whistling or banging sounds from the pipes
A bubbling sound when flushing the toilet
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional immediately to prevent further damage—and, moving forward, make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent your pipes from freezing, including performing regular maintenance, installing heating cables, or using sleeves and/or seals.