I've noticed icicles forming on a black pipe and faucet outside my house in Ontario. These icicles are appearing at both the top and bottom of the pipe. Nearby, there are new white PVC pipes that are condensate lines from a recently installed heat pump, and everything seems to be functioning well according to the technician. However, I'm mainly worried about the black pipe with the icicles. Is this something I need to deal with immediately, or can it wait until the weather warms up? Any insights on what might be causing this and what actions I should take?
2 Answers
Yeah, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. Icicles usually form because water is flowing when it shouldn’t be, which can lead to freezing and even pipe bursts. You might want to consider showing some pictures for better advice. If it gets worse or if you notice leaks, definitely consult a professional sooner rather than later.
Icicles on an exterior pipe can definitely be concerning, especially if they're increasing in size. Usually, it indicates that there might be a problem with insulation or drainage. It'd be good to check if the black pipe is properly insulated and to ensure that water isn’t pooling around it. If the weather allows, you might want to spray some heat tape on the pipe to prevent further freezing. If the icicles are substantial, it could be indicative of a more significant issue, so keeping an eye on it is wise.