Why Freezing Pipes Are a Nightmare
When the temperature drops, the risk of freezing pipes soars. As such, they become more vulnerable to cracks and breaks. In unfortunate circumstances, the cracked pipes can burst, wreaking havoc on your property. However, a few preventive measures can help keep them from freezing temperatures.
Keep reading as we unveil what to do before the cold weather strikes and in the event the pipe freezes.
The Problem With Frozen Pipes
Unlike most liquids, water tends to expand upon freezing. This property strains plastic and metal pipes, which may eventually burst. Not only do freezing pipes drop the water pressure around the home, but they also risk severe water damage. Therefore, keeping the pipes from freezing is crucial to keep your property and loved ones safe. Pipes that are more likely to freeze include:
- Those exposed to cold weather, like swimming pool supply pipes, outdoor hose bibs, and ones supplying water sprinklers.
- Pipes running throughout the exterior walls
- Pipes in unheated interior spaces like the. attic, basement, kitchen cabinets, and crawl spaces.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
Once the pipe freezes, it will likely crack. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- A visible frost on the pipes
- A crack or a bulge in the pipe, with ice seeping through
- Slow trickle or no water
- A strange odor from the faucet or drain is a less obvious sign. When the sewage smells do not find a place to escape, they may return and spread in your home.
- Dampness around the ceiling and drywall
Tips to Prevent Freezing Pipes
Frozen pipes may not seem like a severe problem initially. However, once the ice melts, you’ll notice visible damage signs.
The water will seep into your property and cause considerable damage to your walls, flooring, furniture, and other belongings. However, taking a few preventive measures can keep you from unpleasant circumstances.
Keep a Tap Running
Often times simple hacks can fix major problems. You’d be surprised to know the difference a running tap can make to freezing pipes.
Opening a faucet encourages water to flow through the pipe. This retains the pipe’s internal temperature and keeps it relatively warm than pipes with standing water. However, we do not recommend opening the tap at full blast. Instead, a small trickle will do.
Cover the Pipes
Insulate the exposed pipes and those running in the unheated areas around your property. You can easily purchase insulation material from a nearby local store. Alternatively, you can use newspaper to keep the pipes from cold.
Experts also recommend heating cable installation to keep the pipes warm and reduce the risk of freezing. You can also wrap plastic pipes in aluminum foil to distribute the heat evenly and maintain the internal temperature.
Keep the Garage Door Closed
If you’re not using it, keep the garage door closed. An open garage door can let in significant cold air, escalating the chance of freezing pipes. Because garages typically aren't insulated and rarely connected to HVAC systems, the garage supply lines are more susceptible to freezing. However, closing the garage door seals the space and keeps it from cold.
Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
The plumbing below the sink is often left unheated. Therefore, consider opening the bathroom and kitchen cabinets to distribute warm air around the plumbing.
This will improve the internal temperature of pipes and keep them from freezing. Also, remove the harsh chemicals you might have stored inside the cabinets if you have toddlers.
Leave the Heating On
We often turn off the heating when leaving our homes for obvious reasons. Nobody wants to pay the bills when they aren’t enjoying the heating to begin with. However, consider it an investment that will pay off in the long run. Imagine returning from a short trip only to find your home pipes froze and flooded the property upon thawing.
You might end up paying more for costly repairs. Therefore, leave the heating on whether you’re heading on vacation or leaving your home for work-related purposes.
Seal the Cracks
Check for cracks and holes that let the cold air inside. As a rule of thumb, observe the internet and television wires. Generally, these spaces allow the cold air to penetrate. You can, however, always seal them using caulk. On the flip side, windows can be sealed using foam or clothing.
Invest in Smart Technology
Consider investing in smart technology to keep your residential and commercial plumbing system from freezing.
- Low-temperature sensors alert you when the temperature hits close to the freezing point.
- Water leak detection systems help turn off the supply line to keep your property from damage.
- Smart thermostats that let you monitor and control the property temperatures remotely.
- Generators that automatically power your heating system in the event of a power outage
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Regardless of the steps you take to prevent pipes from freezing, a cold snap may eventually take a toll on the pipes, especially those in unheated areas. Here’s what you can do to thaw them:
- Open a faucet. This will help you notice as the ice thaws and the water pressure improves.
- Apply heat to the section of the pipe with ice. You can use an electric heating pad, or a towel dipped in hot water. Wrap the pipe and let the ice thaw. Alternatively, you can use an electric dryer or a portable space heater to melt the ice.
- Make sure you’re not using a blowtorch or a propane heater, as it risks fire hazards.
- Apply the heat unless the water pressure is fully restored.
If you’re uncertain about the frozen area and cannot thaw the ice, consider reaching out to a professional.
Trust Your Pipes to Steel City Plumbers of Pueblo
The winter brings countless joyous occasions, from Thanksgiving dinners to Christmas parties. However, you must take steps to protect your property from water damage. Once the temperature plummets, the pipes can freeze quickly and crack. You can always reach out to Steel City Plumbers to thaw frozen pipes or repair them in the event of leaks.