Low Temperatures and Freezing Pipes: How to Prevent Damage
When temperatures start to drop, and winter approaches, one of the most common concerns for homeowners is frozen pipes. Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can cause the water inside the pipes to freeze and expand.
The expanding ice can create a lot of pressure that could potentially result in cracked, burst, or otherwise damaged pipes.
It's due to this risk of damage that homeowners should take preventive steps to protect their pipes from freezing during the winter months. Below, we look at some prevention tips to ensure your pipes are protected from the cold.
Why Do Pipes Freeze in Winter?
Pipes can freeze in the winter if the temperature outside falls below freezing and the water inside the pipes is not adequately insulated. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause the pipes to crack or burst.
Pipes that are exposed to the cold air, such as those that are outside or in unheated areas of a home, are particularly at risk of freezing. To prevent pipes from freezing, it is important to properly insulate them and to keep the temperature inside the home above freezing.
Additionally, it can be helpful to allow a small trickle of water to flow through the pipes, as this can help prevent them from freezing.
Effects of Pipes Freezing
If your water pipes freeze during the winter, you may experience numerous problems that arise from frozen pipes. Here are some of them:
Broken Pipes
When temperatures drop to freezing or lower, water in the pipes can freeze and expand. It will cause immense pressure on the pipes, eventually leading the pipes to burst. Since water acts as an excellent conductor of electricity, you may experience a power surge when this happens, potentially leading to electrical shock.
Lack of Water Supply
When the pipes freeze, your water supply may be completely shut off or severely reduced. This will cause disruption of indoor plumbing, such as toilets, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
Mold Growth
Water may accumulate in the walls or floor if the pipes are frozen. If left unchecked, it can cause mold growth inside the home. Plus, it increases the risk of respiratory illness, allergies, and other health issues due to the spread of mold spores in the air.
Increased Water Bills
If you have frozen pipes, you'll notice an increase in your water bills. This happens because the water that has leaked out needs to be replaced, and this can cause your bill to go up significantly. If you notice an increase in your water bill, it may be a good idea to contact your local plumber or handyman to check for frozen pipes.
Tips to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Winter
Frozen pipes are a nuisance in the winter, but there are a few steps you can take in order to prevent them from happening.
Insulate Your Pipes
Make sure your pipes are properly insulated, especially those located in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, basement, or garage. Check for gaps or cracks around your pipes, and seal them with foam insulation and caulk to keep the cold air out.
Here are some insulation materials you can use:
- Fiberglass pipe insulation
- Vinyl-faced fiberglass insulation
- Spray foam insulation
- Reflective insulation wraps
- Rubber foam insulation
By insulating your pipes, you can save energy and money on heating costs. Plus, you can avoid the headache of dealing with frozen pipes and water damage.
Cover Exposed Pipes
Another way to prevent frozen pipes is to cover exposed pipes. This includes any exterior pipes as well as interior pipes that run along cold walls or floors. You can purchase pre-cut pipe covers at most home improvement stores.
If you’re working with a large area, you can use a foam insulation board to cover the pipes. Cut the board into strips and secure them to the wall with tape. If you have an access panel, use foam panels too.
Keep a Tap Running
Run a trickle of hot and cold water overnight. It helps keep the water flowing and prevents it from freezing. The amount you’ll use in a day is much less than what you would otherwise need to keep the pipes from freezing.
Make sure your tap doesn’t drip too much, though. You don’t want a flood in your home!
What to Do if a Pipe Bursts
If a pipe bursts, it is important to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take to help minimize the damage:
- Shut off the water supply.
- Turn off the electricity supply to the affected area.
- Put on protective clothing, such as gloves and safety glasses.
- Carefully mop up any standing water and ensure the area is as dry as possible.
- Identify the source of the leak and assess the damage.
- Call a plumber to repair or replace the pipe.
Burst pipes are common during winters since the water freezes in the pipes due to low temperatures. If you're experiencing this, call The Woo Plumbing Wizards to get help as soon as possible. We provide emergency plumbing services round the clock and can handle any issue, big or small. Contact us today to get your pipes fixed and prevent any costly damage to your property.