Do you know that freezing temperatures can significantly threaten your plumbing system? The likelihood of your pipes freezing and rupturing increases dramatically when the weather drops, leading to costly repairs and water damage. So, how can you protect your pipes from freezing? Read this blog to make sure your winter is warm and comfortable and without any plumbing-related issues.
Why Do Pipes Freeze in Cold?
One strange characteristic of water is that it expands when it freezes. Anything holding it in place, such as metal or plastic pipes, is under extreme strain from this expansion. Expanding water has the potential to shatter pipes, regardless of how sturdy the container is.
The most common freezing pipes are:
- Pipes that are subjected to extreme cold are water sprinkler lines, swimming pool supply lines, and outdoor hose bibs.
- Water supply pipes in interior unheated areas such as crawl spaces and basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that are in contact with external walls with minimal or no insulation.
How Do You Protect Your Pipes From Freezing?
Frozen pipes are usually caused by rapid temperature dips, inadequate insulation, and thermostats that are set too low. Consider prepping your house in the warmer months to help prevent your pipes from freezing:
Insulate Pipes: Even if you reside in an area where freezing temperatures are unusual, pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic may still be beneficial since exposed pipes are more prone to freezing.
Seal Leaks: Check for air leaks in pipes, dryer vents, and electrical wires. To help keep the cold out, caulk or insulate leaks thoroughly.
Adjust thermostat: You can avoid frozen pipes if your thermostat is kept at the same setting day and night. This might potentially lessen the burden on the furnace during extreme cold.
Allow the Water to Run Off: It may just take a small amount of water to prevent your pipes from freezing. During winter, when it’s freezing outside, let some warm water tickle overnight, particularly from a faucet on an outside wall.
Protect Outdoor Faucets, Valves, and Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses before winter arrives, and if at all feasible, use an interior valve to drain and stop the flow of water from pipes that run to exterior faucets. This will lessen the chance of freezing of the pipe.
What to Do When Your Pipes Are Frozen?
Here are a few things that you can do when your pipes freeze:
- Call the plumber immediately.
- Keep the faucets running.
- Do not use a torch or other open flame to defrost a pipe since this might start a fire.
In a Nutshell!
As beautiful as it is, winter can be quite daunting for your plumbing system. When it’s freezing outside, your pipes can freeze too. How to protect your pipes from freezing you ask? The easiest way is to allow faucets to drip slightly since the running water can help prevent pipes from freezing.
If you have further queries, reach out to us at Arid Valley Plumbing by calling (602) 999-4741.