Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Threat
When water freezes, it expands. If that water is trapped inside a copper or PVC pipe, the expansion creates immense pressure—not just at the point of the ice, but throughout the entire pipe system. This pressure eventually causes the pipe to crack or burst.
The real danger often isn't the freeze itself, but the thaw. Once the ice melts, the breach in the pipe allows pressurized water to rush into your walls, crawlspaces, and flooring, leading to mold growth and structural damage.
Common Areas for Frozen Pipes in the 757
In our local Virginia Beach architecture, certain areas are more prone to freezing:
- Outdoor Spigots: Hose bibs left connected to garden hoses.
- Crawlspaces: Uninsulated pipes running beneath your home.
- Attics: Supply lines that are poorly insulated or exposed to drafts.
- Exterior Walls: Pipes located in kitchen or bathroom cabinets on the "cold side" of the house.
How to Tell if Your Pipes Are Frozen
Early detection can save you from a major flood. Look for these warning signs:
- The "No Flow" Test: You turn on the faucet and only a trickle comes out, or nothing at all.
- Frost on the Pipe: If you can see the pipe (like in a basement or under a sink) and it’s covered in frost, it’s likely frozen solid.
- Strange Odors: If a drain pipe freezes, sewage odors may back up into the home.
- Bulging Pipes: A pipe that looks slightly "swollen" is a sign that ice expansion is occurring.
Preventive Measures: Protecting Your Home
Prevention is always more affordable than a midnight emergency repair. Here is how you can protect your Virginia Beach home:
1. Insulate Vulnerable Areas
Use foam pipe sleeves or UL-listed "heat tape" on pipes in unheated areas like the garage or crawlspace.
2. Disconnect Hoses
Before the first freeze hit, disconnect all garden hoses and install insulated covers over your outdoor faucets.
3. Let the Faucets Drip
When temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20°F, let your faucets drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
If your kitchen or bathroom pipes are on an exterior wall, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air from the house to circulate around the plumbing.
What to Do If Your Pipes Are Already Frozen
If you suspect a frozen pipe, follow these steps immediately:
- Shut off the main water valve: This prevents a flood when the ice eventually melts.
- Open the faucets: This relieves pressure in the system.
- Apply gentle heat: You can use a hair dryer or a portable space heater. NEVER use an open flame or torch, as this is a fire hazard and can damage the pipes further.
Why Choose Denny’s Plumbing?
For years, Denny’s Plumbing has been the trusted name in Virginia Beach for residential and commercial plumbing needs. We understand the specific challenges of our coastal climate and the unique plumbing layouts of local homes.
- 24/7 Emergency Service: Pipes don’t wait for business hours to burst.
- Licensed & Insured: Our technicians are highly trained professionals.
- Clear Pricing: We provide honest assessments without hidden fees.
Don't let a frozen pipe turn into a flooded home. Whether you need preventive insulation or emergency repair, Denny's Plumbing is here to help.
Contact Us Today
Phone: 757-499-5150
Location: Serving Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads area
