Prevent Frozen Pipes Before They Burst This Winter
No water in your house or strange noises coming from your pipes during winter could mean frozen pipes. Southeast Michigan gets cold snaps fast, and when frigid temperatures linger for days, plumbing systems take a beating.
In Southeast Michigan, frozen pipe incidents occur every winter in Ann Arbor, Canton, and neighboring communities. Faint banging, rattling, or whistling sounds are the first warning that your pipes may be in trouble. Unfortunately, ignoring noises from pipes means a frozen pipe will burst. Burst pipes lead to flooding, emergency repairs, and expensive cleanup.
Find out what these noises mean, why pipes freeze, how to stop frozen pipes from bursting, and when to call a professional.
Interpreting Water Pipe Noises in the Winter
Odd sounds coming from your plumbing are a normal first warning sign that something is wrong with your pipes. During cold winter months, strange pipe noises are often caused by freezing conditions inside the pipes.
The most common types of noises heard in pipes are:
Knocking or banging noises in the pipes
Whistling or high-pitched noises from the pipes
Rattling in walls or ceilings around pipes
Gurgling or sputtering coming from faucets
Lincoln Park, Monroe, Westland, and surrounding cities see reports of pipe noises every year during overnight temperature drops. These sounds often occur due to restricted water flow from ice, pressure building up inside a pipe, or expanding ice pushing against a pipe.
Causes of Frozen Pipe Noise
Frozen pipes are not always solid ice right away. In most cases, ice first starts to form along the inside of the pipe, creating a narrower space for water to flow through. When water flows through this small area, pressure builds up, which causes vibration and noise.
As the freezing process continues, the ice will expand in the pipe. Pipes cannot stretch to accommodate this ice growth, so the expanding ice places pressure on the pipe walls. The added pressure is often the cause of cracks or sudden bursts in the pipes once the ice melts.
Any time you hear strange noises coming from your pipes during freezing temperatures, it is a sign that your pipes are already in a dangerous situation.
Symptoms Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Pipe noises are only one of the symptoms of frozen pipes. Some other warning signs that pipes may be frozen include:
An inability to get any water from faucets
Reduced water pressure in faucets and showers
Frost on exposed pipes
Odd smells coming from drains
Visible bulges in pipes
Many older homes throughout Flat Rock, Ypsilanti, New Boston, and surrounding cities have less insulation in exterior walls and aging plumbing systems. Older plumbing makes these homes especially susceptible to frozen pipes.
Dangers of Frozen Pipes in Homes
Frozen pipes can be extremely dangerous for multiple reasons. One of the leading causes of winter water damage is frozen pipes.
Frozen pipes burst due to increased pressure from ice buildup. When pipes burst, the damage often occurs when ice begins to melt during a rise in temperatures. Water can flood walls, ceilings, and floors before a homeowner realizes that a burst pipe is the cause.
Southeast Michigan winters can lead to burst pipes causing:
Damage to the home’s structure
Mold growth
Electrical hazards
Plumbing repair expenses
Emergency water shutoff
Preventing frozen pipes is always much easier and less expensive than dealing with the water damage after a burst pipe.
Steps to Take When You Have No Water or Hear Noises
If you suspect frozen pipes in your home, take immediate action.
Turn on any faucets slightly to allow water to flow if possible
Check for exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate under pipes
Keep the house heated at all times, even overnight
Avoid using open flames or other dangerous heating methods on pipes
If you cannot restore water flow, or the noises persist, contact a professional right away. Do not turn on faucets and apply water pressure to pipes that may already be frozen. Turning on faucets only increases the risk of bursting.
Iceberg Heating and Cooling Frozen Pipe Prevention and Help
Iceberg Heating and Cooling offers plumbing and home comfort services across Southeast Michigan. We help homeowners keep their plumbing systems protected during harsh winter weather.
Our technicians can help with:
Frozen pipe diagnostics
Safe thawing of frozen plumbing lines
Pipe insulation recommendations
Emergency plumbing response and repairs
Winter preparation services
Homeowners in Taylor, Romulus, Steiner, and nearby communities call Iceberg Heating and Cooling for quick, professional service whenever winter plumbing emergencies arise.
Verified homeowner reviews are available on the Iceberg Heating and Cooling reviews page.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Southeast Michigan Homes
Preventative steps really help make a difference during the winter months.
Insulate all exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages
Seal air leaks near plumbing lines in your home
Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water valves
Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold temperatures
Keep a consistent indoor temperature at all times
Homes in older neighborhoods in Southeast Michigan often benefit from additional insulation and winter plumbing inspections due to the homes being built with less insulation and older style construction.
Southeast Michigan Weather and Local Experience
Southeast Michigan weather creates special circumstances for homeowners. Rapid temperature changes, wind chill, and long freezes significantly increase the chances of frozen plumbing systems in homes.
Working with a local service provider that understands the Southeast Michigan climate ensures the right strategies and solutions are used for each unique home situation. Iceberg Heating and Cooling has a thorough understanding of the typical pipe freezing dangers in Southeast Michigan and customizes solutions based on each homeowner’s individual situation.
The Bottom Line
Do not ignore the warning signs when you have no water or strange noises in your pipes during winter. Frozen pipes that are left alone often burst at inopportune times, leading to extensive water damage and stress.
If you are hearing noises in your pipes or you do not have any water in your home, Iceberg Heating and Cooling can help prevent frozen pipes with professional service throughout Southeast Michigan. Acting early will help you prevent burst pipes, water damage, and expensive repair bills when Southeast Michigan temperatures plummet.
FAQ For Noises in Your Pipes
What is causing noises in my pipes during the winter?
Restricted water flow caused by ice and pressure building up inside partially frozen pipes is the main cause of noise.
Can pipes freeze even if I still have water flowing?
Yes, they can be partially frozen and allow limited water flow while pressure builds behind the ice.
What should I do if I have no water in winter?
Turn off the main water supply if needed, then contact a professional immediately to avoid pipe bursts.
Are older homes more likely to have frozen pipes?
Yes, older homes usually have less insulation and aging plumbing systems that are more likely to freeze.
When do I need to call a professional for frozen pipes?
If noises persist, water flow is completely stopped, or pipes appear to be frozen, professional service is needed right away.
