Frozen Pipes: How to prevent freezing and what to do if they freeze.

There are many home maintenance tips that come up every winter. One of the messiest and most costly homeowner repairs is fixing a burst, frozen pipe. Water from a burst pipe can cause damage to carpeting, short out electrical appliances and ruin furniture. As such, consider utilizing the following products to help reduce your risk of experiencing a frozen pipe.

Prevention

1. Spray Foam

This foam can be sprayed into the wall to fill cavities around pipes when the temperature cools. The foam will help insulate the walls and block airflow. If you utilize spray foam, make sure you also caulk exterior joints on the outside wall near pipes.

2. Heat Tape

This tape can be plugged into a grounded outlet and spiral wrapped around pipes. Tapes have built-in thermostats that automatically call for power when the temperature drops near freezing. When the temperature rises, the power cuts off.

3. In-pipe Heating Elements

These devices can be placed in water and sewer pipes to conduct heat directly into the pipe as needed.

4. Valve Units

These products can be screwed onto faucets (usually outside) and prohibit water from passing through when temperatures are too low. The valve sensor detects low and high temperatures. When low temperatures are detected, the sensor opens a micro-valve to produce heat. As the temperature rises, the valve closes.

The Consequences of Cold Pipes

Water expands as it freezes and puts significant pressure on the metal or plastic pipes that hold it. Pipes that are exposed to extreme cold can burst when water expands—this includes outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in basements, attics and garages. That’s why it’s important that all of your home’s pipes are adequately protected when temperatures drop.

If you suspect that the pipes in your home have been exposed to freezing temperatures or if water is not flowing normally from a faucet, follow these steps to minimize the risk of water damage:

1. Shut off the water: Locate and turn off the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible, ideally before temperatures rise above freezing.
2. Open faucets: Open all faucets, including outdoor ones, to allow any remaining water in the pipes to drain out.
3. Prepare for leaks: Have buckets, towels, and fans ready to contain, clean, and dry any water leaks.
4. Check for leaks: Gradually turn the water back on and check for any leaks. If you find any, shut off the water immediately.
5. Inspect vulnerable areas: Examine pipes in areas like attics and crawl spaces where it's safe to do so for any signs of damage.
6. Avoid using heat tools: Do not use torches or heat guns to thaw pipes, as these pose fire hazards.
7. Monitor for leaks: As temperatures rise above freezing, continue to watch and listen for any signs of water leakage.
8. Call a professional: If you discover pipe damage, contact a licensed plumber for repairs.

Contact us to discuss additional home maintenance tips or home insurance solutions. If you have a business and are concerned about freezing temps, check out our article on protecting your business from frozen pipes and sprinklers. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as
professional advice. © 2008, 2013, 2016, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.