Frozen pipes are among the most common and expensive winter home emergencies. If unprotected pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures, they can freeze and burst within hours, causing widespread water damage to the home. Taking measures to prevent frozen pipes is much easier (and cheaper) than dealing with the costly and messy cleanup process. Pipes don’t have to freeze when properly insulated, and with the home adequately heated, a few preventative steps can keep your home’s plumbing system safe throughout the winter. Salmon HVAC helps many homeowners winterize their homes, including checking heating reliability and overall system efficiency, which is necessary for plumbing protection.
Why Pipes Freeze During Cold Weather
When cold outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, especially in areas where plumbing is exposed to cold drafts, pipes are more likely to freeze. Uninsulated basements and crawl spaces, as well as attics, garages, and exterior walls, are at higher risk. If water has been sitting stagnant in pipes for a while, it’s more likely to freeze. Sudden temperature drops are also risky, especially if a prolonged warm period is immediately followed by an extended freeze.
Long periods of no heat make a home more likely to experience frozen pipes. In older homes, inadequate insulation or drafts of cold air near plumbing fixtures can lead to problems. However, newer homes can also experience frozen pipes in the same circumstances. Knowing where pipes are likely to freeze and why can help homeowners prevent a problem.
The Damage Frozen Pipes Can Cause
Frozen pipes are a serious plumbing emergency because water expands when it freezes. This expansion causes extreme pressure on the interior of a pipe and frequently results in cracks or full breaks. Once the ice thaws, it can result in water flooding through walls, ceilings, floors, and personal property. Repair costs can escalate quickly, particularly if a burst pipe goes unnoticed for some time.
In addition to water damage, the moisture from a broken pipe can cause mold to develop within a few days. Mold remediation will be another expense to consider, and it can have negative health effects. In more extreme cases, parts of the home’s structure can become damaged. Preventative care is a better approach than coping with these expensive and time-consuming consequences.
Insulating Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Insulation is one of the most effective preventative steps that homeowners can take. Foam pipe sleeves, fiberglass wrap, and insulated tape should be wrapped around any pipes in unheated or exposed areas of the home. Exterior walls often house pipes and should be insulated even if they are not visible.
Heat tape is another viable solution to help vulnerable pipes resist freezing. When installed correctly, it can supply constant warmth to pipes during a deep freeze. It’s a good idea to use heat tape in conjunction with appropriate pipe insulation.
Keeping Your Home Warm Enough
Continual indoor heat is critical to protecting plumbing. Even when the homeowner is away, a thermostat should not be set lower than 55 degrees. A working heating system is important because warm air should circulate through the home, even in areas where pipes are present.
Cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks can also be opened to allow warm air to reach pipes more easily. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a difference during extreme cold. Salmon HVAC also stresses the importance of heating system reliability during cold weather because when a heating system fails, frozen pipe emergencies often follow.
Protecting Outdoor Plumbing and Systems
Outdoor faucets should be winterized before the first freeze. Cut off the water supply to outside lines, drain out remaining water, and cover faucets with insulated covers. Hoses should always be disconnected and stored inside.
Sprinkler systems also require winterization. This includes shutting off water supply and draining all lines. Many homeowners will call a professional to perform a blowout, ensuring there’s no remaining water that could freeze and damage underground piping.
Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes will often be noticeable by slow or no water flow. Frost on exposed pipes, strange noises when faucets are turned on, or condensation can also be indications. Any unexplained wet spots, odors, or discolored walls should be investigated as soon as possible as they may indicate a pipe has burst.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes
If a frozen pipe is suspected, turn on the affected faucet to relieve pressure. A hairdryer or heating pad can be applied directly to the pipe to thaw it. Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. Heat should be applied slowly, starting near the faucet and moving toward the frozen area. If the pipe does not thaw, or a burst is suspected, the homeowner should contact a professional as soon as possible.
When to Call a Professional
Frozen pipes that remain frozen, visible water damage, or heating system issues that may be contributing to the problem should all prompt a call to a professional. Plumbers and heating professionals can safely thaw frozen pipes and also assess the cause of the problem. Salmon HVAC works with many homeowners to ensure that heating systems are functioning properly and provide reliable heat, decreasing the likelihood of frozen pipes during periods of severe cold.
Conclusion
Frozen pipes can be a real winter plumbing emergency, but they are preventable. Consistent awareness and planning, along with proper home heating, are keys to keeping pipes from freezing. Insulated pipes, maintaining indoor temperature, and winterizing outdoor plumbing are all measures that can help homeowners avoid having to deal with costly and time-consuming repairs. Maintaining consistent heating performance is a critical part of home protection and can prevent winter emergencies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How cold does it need to be for pipes to freeze?
Pipes can freeze when the temperature dips below 32 degrees. This is especially true in uninsulated or drafty parts of the home.
Should I leave my faucets dripping in freezing weather?
Yes, allowing faucets to drip in extreme cold helps keep water moving through the system and can prevent freezing.
Is turning off the heat when traveling in winter a bad idea?
Yes, dropping the thermostat too low can lead to frozen pipes. The temperature should be set to at least 55 degrees.
Which pipes freeze most often?
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and exterior walls are most at risk for freezing.
Can heating system issues cause frozen pipes?
Yes, without adequate heat or uneven heat distribution, pipes can be exposed to temperatures low enough to freeze. Heating system reliability is critical during cold weather.