Remove, drain and store garden hoses. Seal air drafts around fixtures, close off crawl spaces, and insulate walls and attics. Install a pipe sleeve for water pipes that are not insulated. Building supply stores carry these and other supplies for insulating pipes.
This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practic- ing 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 tem- perature remains above 20 degrees F.
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.
Old Age, Rust, and Corrosion
Constant exposure puts metal pipes at risk of corrosion. Over time, metal plumbing pipes age and can develop rust that weakens pipe walls, joints, and seals. This corrosion eats away at pipes, creating small cracks and can eventually lead to a complete rupture.
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.
Here's a list of ways to prevent freezing pipes in your home: Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure pipes are properly insulated.
Manually thaw: Begin the thawing process at the most vulnerable places (near faucets). By targeting these areas first, your pipes will be less likely to burst. To do so, gently apply heat to the frozen areas. A blow dryer is a good option (use caution, go slowly, and don't use an open flame).
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.
Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies, in general, will cover damage from a frozen pipe that bursts.
It's not that a small flow of water prevents freezing; this helps, but water can freeze even with a slow flow. The running water will allow relief from building pressure in the pipes so they do not burst.
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.
Keep the Heat On: Ensure your thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees Farenheit — even when you're away. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Seal Drafty Areas: Inspect for drafts around windows, doors, and your foundation. Seal any gaps to keep cold air out and warm air in.
In general, you should let at least one faucet drip in each section of your home.
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.
The majority of these accidents involve the elderly or people with disabilities and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The job goes more quickly by pouring hot water or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and salt water down the drain. Space heaters, hair dryers and heating pads are highly efficient tools for unfreezing a drain pipe. If a frozen drain line ruptures, turn off your home's main water supply.
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.
Be sure to drip both hot and cold water. Marugo said, because hot and cold water come through different pipes, you need to make sure water is moving through both of them. If it's a faucet that doesn't have separate handles for water temperature, like some kitchen sinks, drip lukewarm water.
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.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
Don't turn your thermostat down below 65 degrees during extreme cold. Further drops in temperature could be enough to cause a problem, especially inside walls where pipes are located. Your heating bill may go up a little, but that's better than an expensive repair job if a pipe freezes and bursts.