The pressure created by freezing typically causes PEX pipes to expand instead of break. Although this saves you the trouble of dealing with a burst pipe, the expansion and contraction may cause a leak at the pipe connection. If you identify a leak, turn off the water main.
Key Takeaways. All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
Starting from the faucet side and moving toward the frozen area, slowly heat the pipes with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, heat lamp, or portable space heater. Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes, as this can pose a serious fire hazard.
Apply heat to the frozen area
There are several ways to do this. You can wrap the pipes in thermostatically controlled heat tape, or you can use an external heat source such as a hair dryer or space heater.
PEX 's flexibility and strength at temperatures ranging from below freezing up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit makes it an ideal piping material for hot- and cold-water plumbing systems, service lines, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, snow melting applications, outdoor turf conditioning, residential fire- ...
A finding of one of these research reports notes that notable conclusions from this research include 'PEX pipe was conclusively shown to be freeze tolerant up to 400+ cycles.
Some might argue that this inherent feature negates the need for additional insulation. However, although PEX pipes are less conductive, they are not entirely immune to heat loss or condensation. If your primary concern is to maximize energy efficiency, insulating your PEX pipes can still provide additional benefits.
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.
And once the temperature outside dips below 32F, unprotected pipes are at a greater risk of freezing and potentially bursting. That said, it's still possible for your pipes to thaw without bursting. The key is to release the pressure and allow the pipes to thaw slowly.
Thaw Frozen Pipes
Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.
You should also avoid using a heat gun on the piping in your home or business. Common heat guns can reach a temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (593 degrees Celsius). This is more than sufficient to accidentally start a fire with surrounding building materials.
Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing.
Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section where the frozen pipe is located. Heat lamps are a second choice, but infrared lamps are more efficient because theyn'tn't heat the air. Infrared lamps direct their energy toward warming the wall and frozen pipe instead of warming the air that touches the wall.
Self-regulating heat tape for PEX pipe is often considered the best choice for protecting PEX pipes in cold weather. Energy Efficiency: Self-regulating heat tape on PEX pipe adjusts its heat output based on the surrounding temperature.
While plastic pipe is more resistant to freezing than metal pipe, precautions should be taken to insulate the pipe when using above ground (generally black pipe). Blue MDPE pipe buried to a minimum depth of 900mm will provide excellent resistance to freezing.
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
Step 4 - Thaw
The PEX piping that froze up can be heated using either a blow dryer to create a point of heat for the ice and water to travel through.
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.
Should You Drip Faucets In Cold Weather? Yes, according to the Red Cross, the short answer to that question is you should.
If you have frozen pipes in your home, it can be tempting to try to heat them up as quickly as possible, but this could cause them to burst. Instead, use tools like a hairdryer, space heater, and even your home's thermostat to gradually warm the pipes.
Turn the Heat Upin the Property: You can attempt to thaw the frozen pipe by increasing the temperature in the property. Turning the thermostat up may be all that is needed to allow the ice blockage to melt.
Your pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but this will take at least a few hours or potentially several days, depending on where the pipe is located and the air temperature around it.
Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.
Why Insulate PEX Pipe? Insulation for PEX pipe offers several benefits. First and foremost, it helps retain heat in hot water pipes, reducing heat loss and saving energy. Insulation also prevents cold water pipes from freezing in colder climates, protecting your plumbing system from potential damage.
We're talking like well over half of all plumbing projects. In frigid climates, freezing pipes and potential bursts are worrisome. PEX A offers higher burst resistance, capable of withstanding up to 500 PSI in extreme cold, while PEX B, being more rigid, is less resilient.