However, the 20 degrees F “temperature alert threshold” should address the majority of potential burst-pipe incidents in southern states. Water freezes when heat in the water is transferred to subfreez- ing air. The best way to keep water in pipes from freezing is to slow or stop this transfer of heat.
This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practicing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the temperature remains above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop to 20°F (-6°C) or lower, especially if they are exposed to cold air or are located in unheated areas like basements, attics, or outside walls. However, the exact temperature and duration needed for pipes to freeze can vary based on several factors, including:
Pipes typically burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time (anywhere from 1-3 days depending on temperature). This is especially true for pipes located on exterior walls. A frozen pipe is likely to burst when any water or liquid trapped within it freezes and begins to expand.
Pipes typically freeze when the temperature around the pipe is below 20 degrees. When water gets that cold, it freezes and expands, which increases the pressure in your pipes, causing them to burst. This means unheated spaces are more vulnerable—think basements, attics, and garages.
Even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage. This can lead to leaks which can cause significant damage over time if they go unnoticed. The best way to protect against frozen pipes and the resulting water damage is with an automatic water shut-off device.
The rule of the thumb is that it takes roughly 6-hours for water in your pipe to freeze after left in an unheated area. Meaning if you lose power at your home and the weather is reaching below freezing point, you have approximately 6-hours until the pipes will begin to freeze.
Yes, pipes can freeze overnight if temperatures plummet drastically. Uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like attics or exterior walls are most vulnerable.
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.
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.
After the temperature drops below about 40 degrees F in your house, it is time to prepare for the coming freeze and winterize your house. This involves draining the water pipes, as best you can, and protecting sinks, traps and toilets from freeze damage.
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.
There is nothing stopping Ice from being colder than 0 degrees, it is simply that water starts to freeze at that temperature. So as soon as the pipe isn't able to stop the water from expanding anymore, the water turns quickly into ice - allowing the ice to explode out of the pipes.
Water freezes at 32°F (0°C). Period. Since the expansion of water as it freezes is a fact of life, what things should we know about this process in order to create effective means of dealing with it in industry? Water that has frozen in piping systems does more than simply clog the system and shut off the flow.
Frozen pipes generally occur below 20° F. But freezing can happen above that threshold as well, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space. Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, you'll want to cover your outdoor faucets in the winter rather than dripping them. Even with a vigorous drip, frigid temperatures can travel through your faucet and freeze the connecting pipes. Before using a cover, you'll need to properly winterize your faucet.
A common misconception is that the drip prevents water from freezing because it stays in motion when it's running through the pipes. Although this helps, the truth is that at extreme temperatures water can freeze even while it is flowing.
Not all frozen pipes burst. However, thawing the ice can increase the risk, as it usually worsens the problem since it raises the pressure further.
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.
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.
Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
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.
Water freezes at 32 degrees or colder, but multiple factors impact whether pipes will freeze. Pipes in 20 degrees or colder for prolonged periods will freeze. Exterior pipes freeze much faster than internal pipes. Insulating hot water pipes can raise the water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees.