Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.
We all know that freezing begins at 32° F or 0° C, but at what point do pipes freeze within our own homes? Temperatures only need to drop to about 20° F for a few hours to put exposed pipes at risk. So, your best bet is to insulate your exposed pipes to keep that temperature well above the freezing point.
Pipes can freeze when the temperature stays at or below 0°C for an extended period of time, especially if they are exposed to the cold.
As soon as temps get below freezing (32 degrees F) you are definitely at risk of freezing. That said, your living space will not cool down instantly, so a few hours at 29 degrees outside likely isn't going to drop the temps of your pipes enough to cause an issue with freezing.
Keep the Heat On
The ideal temperature would be around 55 to 60 degrees. This will be warm enough to keep pipes from freezing.
Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.
Be careful not to make extreme changes to your home temperature. An indoor temperature of less than 55 degrees may lead to freezing pipes, while anything more than 80 may damage drywall.
Although common, frozen pipes do not always burst. However, the ice can increase this risk when it thaws and is usually worsened as it raises pressure further which makes pipe bursting common near winter's end or springtime. Furthermore, the more water flowing through the pipe, the greater chance of rupture.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Moving water keeps pipes from freezing. Find shut off valves for emergencies. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.
So, exactly how cold does it need to be before you do this? Southern Living says professionals list the threshold temperature for pipes to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning this or anything below can create a potential for water to turn to ice in your pipes.
Yes, pipes can freeze overnight if temperatures plummet drastically. Uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like attics or exterior walls are most vulnerable.
Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure pipes are properly insulated. Keep water slowly flowing on outer wall faucets. Cover outside faucets.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Hearing Unusual Sounds From the Pipes
As pipes begin to freeze, it may make sounds such as gurgling, clanging, or banging. This can be because of the water suddenly expanding as it freezes and/or because of the changing water pressure due to freezing.
How cold can a house get without heat overnight? The time of day your heater goes out impacts how long the house stays warm. Indoor temperatures go down faster at night, so if your furnace stops overnight, you can expect a quicker decline. This can be as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit before morning.
Generally speaking, it will take around 6 hours for your pipes to freeze without heat. If you're currently experiencing below-freezing temperatures and your home loses power (or you don't have your heating system turned on), your pipes will have about 6 hours before they freeze over.
Make sure to keep heaters away from anything potentially flammable! Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing.
Overall, it's best that you take heed and drip your faucets when temperatures dip below freezing. A simple trickle of hot and/or cold water—both from faucets inside and outside the home—can prevent you from having to deal with a much larger issue (and bill!) in the long run.
DURING freezing weather:
If you plan to be away from home for several days, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Set your home heat to at least 55 degrees. Shut off water to the house and open all faucets to drain pipes; flush the toilet once to drain the tank, but not the bowl.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.
A bad enough cold spot can freeze in a 75 degree home, but its much less likely than in a 55 degree home. Essentially, the colder you keep your home in the winter, the greater the risk of frozen pipes. There's no magic number (I guess technically above 32), so the best that can be said is warmer is better.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
While you wait, reduce water pressure by opening all the faucets inside the home one-quarter turn. Water will begin to trickle out, helping the ice to thaw. Remember to close all faucets after full water pressure is restored.
It's advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that's too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home. Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you're awake and 62 degrees when you're sleeping.
If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.
Recommended Temperature When the Home is Vacant
For short periods of time away, like going to work, we'd recommend a temperature of around 55 – 60 degrees (F). While away on long periods of time, such as vacation, we don't recommend setting the temperature any lower than 50 degrees (F).