What to Look for Before Spring Surprises You
Winter may be behind us, but its effects can linger—especially in your plumbing. Even if your pipes didn’t burst dramatically during a cold snap, that doesn’t mean they escaped unscathed. Subtle signs of freeze-related damage can creep up once temperatures rise, often going unnoticed until they become expensive headaches.
The good news is you can catch these issues early with a little awareness and a quick home check-up. Here’s how to spot hidden pipe damage from freezing temps before it leads to leaks, water damage, or worse.
1. Start with Your Water Pressure
If you turn on the faucet and notice low or inconsistent water pressure, this could be a red flag. A pipe may have cracked or partially frozen over winter, and now there’s a leak—or a blockage—from lingering ice damage.
What to check:
- Run multiple fixtures (sinks, showers) and compare pressure.
- Ask household members if certain rooms have weaker flow than others.
- If you’re on well water or have a pressure regulator, consider checking those too—or call in a pro.
2. Watch for Discolored Water
Rusty, cloudy, or yellowish water can be a sign that a metal pipe has corroded or cracked—especially if the issue shows up when using only hot or only cold water. This might mean winter damage caused microfractures in older plumbing.
What to check:
- Look at water from each faucet, especially after it’s been off for a while.
- Take note if the discoloration clears after running the water briefly—this may indicate rust inside the pipe.
3. Check for Damp Spots or Stains
Freezing temps can cause small cracks in pipes, and you might not notice until water starts slowly leaking once it thaws. Keep an eye out for damp spots, warping, or discoloration on walls, ceilings, and under cabinets.
What to check:
- Feel along baseboards and look inside bathroom or kitchen cabinets.
- Check floors or ceilings below upstairs bathrooms.
- Musty smells can also point to hidden moisture or mold.
4. Listen for Drips or Hissing
Pipes behind walls or under floors may still be leaking silently. But if your house is quiet and you hear dripping, hissing, or water trickling, follow your ears.
What to check:
- Turn off noisy appliances (dishwasher, furnace fan) and listen near walls or floors.
- If you hear something odd, call a plumber to inspect—it’s better than letting hidden damage get worse.
5. Look at Exposed Pipes
Any exposed piping—like those in basements, crawl spaces, attics, or garages—is more vulnerable to freeze damage. Spring is a great time to do a quick visual inspection.
What to check:
- Look for visible cracks, bulges, or condensation.
- If pipes are wrapped in insulation, check for water spots or mold around the wrapping.
6. Inspect Outdoor Fixtures
Hose bibs, outdoor spigots, and irrigation systems often get overlooked. These are prime spots for winter damage if they weren’t properly drained or insulated.
What to check:
- Turn on the outdoor faucet—if water leaks inside the wall or doesn’t flow freely, that’s a red flag.
- Check garden hoses and connectors too.
7. Know When to Call a Pro
Even if you don’t see major signs, it’s worth having a plumber do a spring inspection if:
- Your home is older or has galvanized pipes.
- You had a frozen pipe scare during winter.
- You’re planning renovations or heading out of town.
Catching a small issue now could save you from a flooded basement or burst pipe later.
Wrap-Up: A Little Check-Up Goes a Long Way
Freezing temperatures are tough on plumbing, and even hidden damage can lead to major problems if ignored. Take a few minutes this spring to walk through your home, inspect key areas, and listen to what your pipes might be trying to tell you.
And if you need help? Keath’s plumbing pros are here to make sure your system is leak-free, pressure-strong, and ready for spring and summer.