When the temperature drops, the risk of your pipes freezing soars. Pipes in unheated interior spaces like garages, attics, and basements are more likely to freeze. Pipes running through the exterior walls and cabinets aren’t any less susceptible to freezing during cold winter. But the question remains, why are frozen pipes a problem?
Keep reading to discover why frozen pipes can be dangerous and what you can do to keep them from freezing.
When the water inside the plumbing system freezes, you lose access to water for showering, washing dishes, or cooking. Frozen pipes also risk bursts. Science tells us that water expands by 9-10% upon freezing.
If your pipes aren’t robust enough to stand the expansion, they’ll burst, overflowing your property. In fact, even the most sturdy pipes are susceptible to bursting once the water expands. Therefore, frozen pipes require immediate action. Otherwise, you could run into additional problems, which means losing more money and damaging your property.
To keep your home free from water damage and extensive repairs, you must take preventive measures to tackle the harsh winter. Here’s how to minimize the chances of freezing pipes when it's cold outside.
Open Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinets
Sometimes. simple solutions are the best. For example, opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets allow warm air to circulate the plumbing system. By doing so, you maintain the temperature around the pipes and keep them from freezing.
Seal the Leaks
Cold air might flow from leaks around your home without you realizing it. It’s time to locate and seal all air leaks in your home. Look for spaces around pipes, electrical wiring, and vents. Use caulk to seal these spaces and keep cold air from moving inside your property.
Use a Heat Tape or Cable
Wrapping pipes is another quick yet effective method to keep the pipes warm and protect the water inside from freezing. Purchase a product approved for use on pipes and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. If you’re dubious about your DIY skills, you can always call a professional plumber.
Insulate Pipes
Insulating pipes in crawl spaces and attics plummets the chance of freezing pipes. Exposed pipes are more likely to freeze, so insulating them prevents the problem. The more insulation you use, the better you protect the pipes.
Let the Water Drip
A cold or hot water trickle often helps keep the pipes from freezing. So let water drip overnight during winter. Keep a bowl underneath to save water for later use.
Use Smart Technology
To keep your home from water damage and pipes from freezing, consider installing the following:
Disconnect Hoses
When the water inside a hose connected to an outside spigot, it creates pressure on the pipes inside your home. To ensure that doesn’t happen, drain all the hoses and turn off the water of the spigots outside. Consider using faucet insulators to cap them.
Keep the Heat On While On Vacation
Avoid turning off the heat if you plan to be away during the winter. Otherwise, you might stumble upon an unpleasant discovery when returning. Ideally, set the temperature to around 55F before leaving.
Avoid Adjusting the Thermostat
Keeping a consistent thermostat temperature during the day and at night plummets the risk of frozen pipes. This also keeps your furnace from being strained.
Use Space Heaters
Adding a space heater offers an excellent way to supplement heat. You can keep space heaters at places where pipes are at risk. However, we do not recommend using a space heater in the bathroom. If it's necessary plug it into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and avoid using an extension cord.
Here are a few steps to prevent damage when the pipe freezes.
For Frozen Water Supply Lines
Frozen Hose Bibs
Frozen Exterior Wall Pipes
When the outside temperature plummets, your pipes are at risk. The water can quickly freeze and expand, bursting the pipes. This can release gallons of water inside your home, ruining your property and belongings. While you cannot escape the harsh winter, preventive measures can help prevent pipe bursts.
You can also reach out to an experienced plumbing service during emergencies. A skilled contractor uses specialized equipment to thaw the frozen pipes and keep them from bursting. They can also help repair broken pipes and keep your home from water damage. If you're dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, call our experts today for reliable same-day emergency services in Oxnard!