Winter can bring freezing temperatures that put your home's pipes at risk. Burst pipes can cause major water damage and costly repairs, so it's crucial to take steps to prevent this disaster. This includes insulating exposed pipes, keeping your home warm, and letting faucets drip during extreme cold to protect your plumbing.
Knowing the signs of freezing pipes is also important. If you notice reduced water flow or strange noises from your pipes, act fast to prevent a burst. With some preparation and awareness, you can keep your pipes safe all winter long.
Frozen and burst pipes can cause major damage to your home, so knowing why pipes freeze and where they happen most often can help you prevent disasters.
Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on pipes from the inside and causing them to crack or burst. Pipes in unheated areas, including those in basements, attics, and exterior walls, are at higher risk. When temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), the water inside can freeze quickly. Metal pipes also conduct cold better than plastic ones, making them freeze faster. Pipes with a small diameter also freeze more easily than larger ones.
Exterior walls are a prime spot for frozen pipes, as the cold outside air chills them faster. Pipes here have less protection from your home's heat. Attics and crawl spaces often lack proper insulation, too. This leaves pipes exposed to freezing temperatures, while basements can also be trouble spots, especially in older homes.
Outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems can be very vulnerable as they're directly exposed to cold air. Don't forget about pipes in garages or sheds as these areas usually don't have heat. Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks can freeze too., especially when cabinets are closed, blocking warm air from reaching the pipes.
Taking steps to protect your pipes can save you from costly repairs and water damage. Here are key ways to keep your plumbing safe during cold weather.
Pipe insulation is a must for cold-weather protection and exposed pipes need to be wrapped with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
For outdoor spigots, use faucet covers to shield them from freezing temperatures, and for extra protection, add heat tape to pipes in very cold spots. Insulation helps keep water above freezing even when temperatures drop and it's a simple step that can prevent costly problems.
Close crawl space vents and seal gaps around pipes that enter your house to stop cold air from reaching your plumbing. Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any leaks to keep your home warmer. Keep your garage door closed if water lines run through it, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors on cold nights so warm air can reach pipes.
Keep your home's temperature steady, even when you're away by setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F (13°C). This helps prevent pipes in exterior walls from freezing. Run your water heater regularly as this keeps warm water flowing through your pipes. It's also a good idea to flush your water heater yearly to keep it working well.
Remember to let faucets drip slightly during freezing weather as moving water is less likely to freeze than still water. It may raise your water bill a bit, but it's cheaper than fixing burst pipes.
Locate your main water shutoff valve so that if a pipe does freeze, you can quickly turn off the water to prevent flooding.
Quick action is key when dealing with frozen pipes and knowing what to look for and how to respond can help prevent costly damage to your home.
Look for these signs of frozen pipes:
Start thawing as soon as you spot frozen pipes by opening the faucet connected to the frozen pipe and applying heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer, heating pad, hot towels, or a space heater (keep away from flammable materials). Never use open flames to thaw pipes as this can cause fires or damage your plumbing.
Call a plumber if:
A professional has special tools to find and thaw hidden frozen pipes and can fix any leaks safely. If you smell gas or see water damage, turn off your main water valve and call for help right away. Don't try to fix these issues on your own.
Protecting your home from water damage due to burst pipes is crucial. Taking proactive steps can save you from costly repairs and property loss.
As well as insulating all the pipes in your home, you can also install a water leak detection system. These devices can spot leaks early and shut off your water supply automatically. Some even send alerts to your phone.
Replace old pipes before they fail, opting for copper or PEX pipes that last longer than older materials. Additionally, seal cracks in your foundation and walls to block cold air from reaching your pipes. You can use caulk or foam sealant to close up any gaps you find.
Check your pipes regularly for signs of wear, looking for rust, cracks, or bulges as these can indicate a pipe is ready to burst. Clean your gutters and downspouts too, as clogged gutters can cause ice dams, leading to water backing up and seeping into your home.
Remind yourself to test your main water shut-off valve yearly, ensuring it works smoothly in case of an emergency. It is also advised to have a plumber inspect your system annually. They can spot issues you might miss and suggest updates to prevent future problems.
Speak to us today to arrange your next inspection so your home is fully prepped for winter.
