Pipe Location Pipes closest to an exterior-facing wall, an attic, or windows are more protected than exterior pipes. However, they are still likely to freeze after three or four hours in temperatures below 20 degrees. Meanwhile, pipes inside your home may take up to six hours to freeze at 20 degrees.
As temperatures continue to drop, so does the amount of time required for pipes to freeze completely and eventually burst. Depending on various factors, the water inside pipes can start freezing in just 6 hours, though it's more common to see damage and issues after one to three days of subfreezing temperatures.
Pipes located in unheated interior spaces are especially prone to ice blockage, including garages, attics and basements — in fact, up to 37 percent of all frozen pipe failures occur in basements. Even pipe systems that thread through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze under the right conditions.
Yes, pipes can freeze overnight if temperatures plummet drastically. Uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like attics or exterior walls are most vulnerable.
Regardless of how long you will be traveling and away from home, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above. This will help to keep the pipes on the inside of the home from freezing and the ones under the home at a slightly higher temperature as well.
Leave the heating on
If it's feasible, set your thermostat to 15C. This keeps the air inside warm to help stop internal pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors and loft hatches to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks or in the loft.
No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
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.
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.
Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing.
Open your attic trap door to help keep the temperature in your attic the same as in the rest of the house and prevent pipes freezing.
Turn on the water every few hours, especially during the night. Turn on all spigots, flush toilets, and run water into washing machine and dishwasher. PRO TIP: You can also program your dishwasher and washing machine to start running during the night.
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.
Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
An increase in indoor temperatures can help unfreeze all your indoor pipes, whereas your outdoor pipes may take longer. In many cases though, using the right heating tools can unfreeze your pipes in a matter of 30-45 minutes.
Ask any plumber, "Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?" and they'll immediately tell you, "Yes." Locate your main water line and switch the shut-off valve so the flow of water stops. By doing this, you'll reduce the amount of pressure that builds inside your frozen pipes.
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.
Turn on all faucets: Checking each faucet in your home will help you narrow down your search. The faucets that have little or no water pressure likely have a frozen pipe in their supply line. If every faucet is showing low water pressure, the frozen pipe may be near the water meter.
Pipes run the risk of freezing at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if they're not insulated, but most insulated pipes start to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below.