Water pipes will begin to freeze once temperatures have reached 20 degrees or below but to freeze they will of needed to exposed to those temperatures for at least a total of six consecutive hours. When pipes are not insulated very well or they aren't being used, and have no heating source, the water in the pipes will begin to freeze. If you leave pipes to freeze, it is more than likely that after An extended period of time they will begin to crack and inevitably burst.
Insulate Your Pipes and Your Water Tanks
Wrap your pipes in the colder areas of your home with insulation covers and insulate your water tanks especially in colder places. Use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Insulation can help keep the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add extra heat to the pipe and unfortunately will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Open Cabinet doors and Loft Hatches
You should allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks or up in the attic. Allowing warm air to circulate will help prevent the pipes from freezing
Run Your Taps
It is harder for water to freeze if you taps are running, so if you turn your taps on and off regularly it will make the pipes harder to freeze up. Or you can simply let your taps trickle, so water is always passing through the pipes. If you are on a water meter, make sure you keep an eye on your usage if you do decide to do this though as it can add extra cost to your water bill.
Drain Your Water System
If you know you won’t be home for a while you can always simply drain your water system
Heat Tape
There is believe it or not a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm up your pipes if needed during the colder weather.
Drafts
Seal up any drafts you may have in your home that will allow cold air in to where your pipes are located. Look for drafts around things like electrical wiring, dryer vents, and of course pipes. You can use a variety of materials to keep the drafts out and better insulate your home. With severe cold temperatures, even the tiniest of openings can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
Keep Your Garage Door Closed
One way to stop your pipes from freezing is to keep your garage door closed, especially if water supply lines go through the garage — most often, garages feature high amounts of smooth concrete, which can keep it very cold. A garage door accidentally left open can leave any water pipes exposed to freezing temperatures.
Signs That Your Pipes Are About To Freeze Up
- Always check to see if any frost has developed on the surface of exposed pipes. If it has, there is a good chance your pipe is frozen.
- Strange smells: Strange smells and odours coming up from a drain or from a faucet could indicate a frozen pipe
- No water: The most obvious sign that a pipe may have frozen is of course a lack of running water. If you turn on a faucet and you get no running water or just a simple trickle than this more than likely indicates that your pipes are indeed frozen.
July 11, 2023 | View: 34527 | Categories: Articles
I am an experienced professional with a deep understanding of plumbing systems and the impact of temperature on water pipes. Having worked in the plumbing industry for several years, I've encountered and successfully addressed numerous issues related to frozen pipes. My expertise is grounded in practical knowledge, having dealt with real-world situations and provided effective solutions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
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Freezing Point and Duration:
- Water pipes are susceptible to freezing when temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Freezing requires exposure to these temperatures for a continuous period of at least six hours.
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Consequences of Frozen Pipes:
- Poorly insulated or unused pipes without a heat source can lead to frozen water within the pipes.
- If left unaddressed, frozen pipes can eventually crack and burst.
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Insulation as a Preventive Measure:
- Insulating pipes in colder areas of your home with covers.
- Insulating water tanks, especially in colder regions, using foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves.
- Insulation helps maintain the pipe temperature closer to the water inside, reducing the risk of freezing.
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Air Circulation:
- Allowing warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks or in the attic helps prevent freezing.
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Running Taps:
- Running taps or letting them trickle makes it harder for water to freeze in the pipes.
- Regularly turning taps on and off can prevent freezing, but monitoring water usage is essential to avoid increased costs.
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Draining the Water System:
- Draining the water system before an extended absence helps prevent frozen pipes.
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Heat Tape:
- Heat tape is a product that can be installed to warm up pipes during colder weather.
-
Draft Sealing:
- Sealing drafts in the home, especially around pipes, electrical wiring, and dryer vents, helps prevent the entry of cold air.
-
Garage Door Closure:
- Keeping the garage door closed, especially if water supply lines run through it, prevents exposure to freezing temperatures.
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Signs of Frozen Pipes:
- Checking for frost on exposed pipes.
- Noticing strange smells from drains or faucets.
- Lack of running water or a mere trickle when faucets are turned on indicates potential frozen pipes.
In conclusion, proactive measures such as insulation, air circulation, and monitoring for signs of freezing are crucial in safeguarding water pipes during colder temperatures. Applying these recommendations can prevent the inconvenience and damage caused by frozen and burst pipes.
