Pipes will freeze when temperatures drop to freezing or below, causing no running water until they thaw. This is a common issue during cold weather that can lead to burst pipes and expensive repairs. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly water damage and plumbing repairs, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to prevent water pipes from freezing. Understanding when pipes freeze and how to prevent it can save you from water damage and expensive repairs, making it crucial to take preventive measures against frozen pipes. In this blog, we will go over what can lead to frozen pipes, how you can safely thaw them, and how you can prevent pipe freezing in the future.
Several factors affect freezing, including pipe location and whether pipes are insulated, with uninsulated pipes being more prone to freezing in extremely cold temperatures. Insulated pipes may freeze in under six hours at 20°F, while uninsulated pipes take longer at temperatures between 20°F and 32°F. Prolonged cold weather, not just a quick temperature drop, usually causes pipes to freeze, making it essential to prepare pipes for extended periods of cold. Exterior walls with little or no insulation are at high risk of pipes freezing, and pipes running against these exterior walls are more susceptible to freezing since they will be more exposed. Water lines in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets are vulnerable to freezing, requiring additional insulation and protection.
Various factors determine when the line could burst. Typically, pipes burst due to expanding water, creating pressure over 2,000 psi inside the pipe, which can lead to costly water damage and plumbing repairs. Freezing temperatures accelerate the bursting process of frozen pipes, since the water will be more prone to freezing. Frozen pipes don’t always burst, but the risk increases the longer they stay frozen and the water freezes. Burst pipes cause major water damage and require immediate attention to prevent further issues, making it crucial to have a plan in place for emergency situations.
If you are noticing frosty pipes, low water pressure in your home, drains backing up, or plumbing appliances not functioning properly during the cold months, it is possible your pipes are frozen and will need to be thawed immediately.
If your water meter freezes, you should call the water utility right away. If you attempt to thaw the water meter, it could cause a large amount of damage. The water utility will take care of this job. Main water lines are also not your responsibility. Pipes located on your property are what you are responsible for.
1) The first thing to do is to turn off the water at the main water shutoff valve. It will be located either near the street or where the water supply enters your house.
2) Open the faucet and let the remaining water flow out of the pipe. This will also allow more ice to flow out after you have thawed the pipe if the water is frozen within.
3) Locate the frozen section of the pipe and apply heat. You can apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using various heating sources such as towels soaked in hot water, an electric hair dryer, an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, and even portable space heaters.
4) Never use open flames to thaw frozen pipes or items such as propane heaters, a charcoal stove, or a blowtorch. Open flames can damage your home and water lines. Keep heat sources, such as space heaters, away from flammable materials.
5) Monitor closely during thawing for signs of leaks or bursts. If you notice a problem, contact a licensed plumber.
6) Once you believe the pipes have been thawed, check the faucets in your home for restored water pressure.
7) Call a licensed plumber immediately if you cannot thaw or locate the frozen pipe or if leaks appear after thawing to prevent further damage and expensive repairs.
Thawing out frozen pipes can be a hassle, but there are steps you can take beforehand to prevent frozen pipes from happening in the first place.
Wrapping pipes in insulation is one of the best and easiest ways you can prevent pipes from freezing. Exposed pipes in your home should be covered with insulation material, such as pre-slit foam pipe insulation that can be cut to any length you need and sealed with strong tape. To keep pipes warm, there are also items such as pipe sleeves or heat tape.
Opening the bathroom cabinet doors under the sinks can help the heat from your home to circulate through those spaces containing pipes and water supply lines that will otherwise remain cold.
Leaving faucets running with a steady cold water drip can help prevent freezing because the water will always be flowing. It will be much harder for water to freeze if running water is constantly passing through the lines, even if it is only a trickle. Have running water dripping from faucets served by exposed lines.
Keep your garage door closed during the winter to trap in heat, especially if there are pipes and water supply lines running through here. You should also seal any cracks under the garage door that might be letting in cold air from outside even when the door is closed.
Seal cracks and gaps near vents and pipes to block cold air exposure, using weather stripping to prevent cold from entering and warm air from escaping. It is important to add insulation to places like the attic, crawlspace, and basement of your home to keep out the cold, as well as any cracks underneath doors and windows.
Monitor weather forecasts and prepare pipes before the temperature can drop below 32°F, taking proactive measures to prevent water pipes from freezing.
If you know you are going to be away from the house for a period of time during extreme cold weather, it is vital that you prepare to make sure you don’t come home to frozen pipes. Make sure you have the proper insulation in unheated areas, especially any exposed water pipes. Turn off the water to outside spigots, open valves to drain lines, and keep outside valves open to avoid pipe breaks. Though you no doubt want to save energy by turning the heat off while you’re gone, set your thermostat above 55 degrees to protect pipes from freezing, and leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to circulate to the pipes under sinks or in any other cabinets.
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