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.
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.
Essentially, any areas without heating will require the pipes to be insulated. Interior walls are an exception as typically pipes running through these have heating. Though if unsure, check with a professional.
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.
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.
Touching the pipes (if possible) can help you identify freezing as they will be especially cold to the touch and might have condensation on the outside. Physically check pipes for signs of freezing by looking for condensation, frost, ice, a slight expansion, or bulges in the pipes.
Tape over the seams and joints with acrylic or aluminum foil tape to increase durability. Use wire, tape, a plastic tie, or metal clamp to secure the insulation (and plastic covering) to the pipe every 1 to 2 feet. Use caulk or foam to seal any holes where the pipes penetrate walls, floors, ceilings, or framing.
Insulation can help keep the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add extra heat to the pipe and unfortunately will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
This can make them crack or burst, resulting in no water or heating in your home and expensive repair bills. To reduce this risk, insulate your pipes to help stop them from freezing. You may also have pipes in uninsulated areas like your loft, basement or garage.
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.
During cold weather, the pipes in your home can freeze and then when the temperature rises there's a chance a frozen pipe may crack or burst.
Yes, pipes can freeze overnight if temperatures plummet drastically. Uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like attics or exterior walls are most vulnerable.
Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night.
STEPS TO PREVENTING PIPES FROM FREEZING
If you will be gone for an extended length of time, even setting your home's heat temperatures to 50-degrees will provide enough heat for internal pipes to keep them from freezing in your absence.
The U.S. government Department of Energy (DOE) states that people should set their thermostats to 68 degrees F. This is the optimal temperature for keeping a home comfortable.
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.
Foam pipe sleeves, commonly made from flexible, lightweight foam like polyethylene or rubber, are a user-friendly insulation option for outdoor water pipes. Designed to fit snugly, they provide an effective thermal barrier, helping to maintain water temperature and reduce the risk of freezing.
By insulating both outdoor and indoor water pipes, you can reduce heat loss, prevent freezing and minimise condensation and moisture damage. In this guide, we'll explain how to insulate your home's pipes and everything else you need to know to keep them in good condition.
You can purchase plastic or wooden pipe coverings at most hardware stores to match your decor. Simply spray some adhesive spray over the pipe and wrap your covering around it. Once you're done, cut off any excess with a box cutter or a utility knife – make sure to be careful and watch your fingers!
Internal wall insulation is done by fitting rigid insulation boards to the wall, or by building a stud wall filled in with insulation material such as mineral wool fibre. Internal insulation: Is generally cheaper to install than external wall insulation.
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. Do not use a propane torch as this can damage the pipe and create a fire risk.
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.
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.