Frozen Pipes

The risk of having a frozen pipe issue increases as soon as the winter season arrives. If you live in cold areas that experience low temperatures and snowfall during winter, you have a high chance of experiencing freezing water in your pipes. Frozen pipes can cause many problems with the water supply and the central heating system of your house. They can severely damage your pipes and ruin your drainage system if not resolved promptly.

Let’s walk through the most common causes of frozen pipes and how to identify and tackle them.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When winter arrives, temperatures drop, and the risk of frozen pipes increases. As water freezes, it expands and can cause a pipe to burst if there is not enough pressure relief.

The most common reason for a pipe to freeze is when the ambient temperature outside (or in an unheated area of the house) drops below 0°C (32°F). It can be due to a combination of factors, including cold air coming through cracks in the walls or windows, a lack of insulation, or exposure to cold outdoor air. In addition, slow-moving water in pipes can easily become stuck and freeze. This can be a problem in pipes that are facing north, exposed to the coldest part of a building, or tucked away in an uninsulated space.

Proper insulation and proper winter preparation can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Let's learn more about it.

Problems Caused by Frozen Pipes

These are some significant problems your residential or commercial spaces might experience if you have frozen pipes:

Bursting Pipes One of the most dangerous problems is the bursting of pipes. Pipes can burst if the water inside them is frozen because as water freezes, it can notably expand in size, exerting pressure on the pipes from the inside, causing them to burst. This problem damages your pipes and can cost a lot of money to repair. This scenario is chaotic too because a lot of the water can flow out of the hole and destroy other items around it. In short, your space can experience a mini flood.
Dry Faucets Another problem is that the ice inside the pipes can block the flow of the other liquid water. Blockage of water flow means that all sources, such as faucets, taps, and laundry machines, will have no water available. The ice inside can also make the other water freeze as well, ruining the situation even more.
Damage to Electrical Sources As the pipes burst, the water flowing out of them can reach outlets and other running electrical appliances around your house and cause a short circuit. The water can destroy your electrical appliances and completely shut off electricity in your house. It may also lead to a fire hazard.
Damage to Walls and Ceilings Besides electrical outlets, the water flowing from the cracks in the pipes caused by ice can also damage the walls, ceilings, and basically every place your pipes run through in your spaces. This damage can get worse if unnoticed and can be very expensive to repair.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, it's important to take the necessary steps to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are a few tips:

Insulate the Pipes There are many insulation materials, such as foam rubber, fiberglass, and caulk, available to insulate your pipes. These materials will help maintain the temperature of your pipes and keep them from freezing.
Check the Weather Forecast Prior to cold temperatures hitting, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If you know it's going to be freezing, you can take the necessary steps ahead of time to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Open Faucets When temperatures begin to drop, it's recommended to open your faucets slightly. It will help ensure the water continues to flow and prevent pipes from freezing.
Leave Cabinets Open During cold weather, it's a good idea to keep the cabinets open that contain plumbing. These may include cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other areas with exposed pipes. Opening the cabinets allows warm air to circulate through the pipes.
Keep the Thermostat Set Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months. You may also want to consider installing a programmable thermostat so you can be sure that the temperature is always maintained.
Disconnect Hoses and Sprinklers Before winter arrives, be sure to disconnect any garden hoses and sprinkler systems from the pipes. In this way, you can prevent any water from freezing and causing potential damage.
Use Heating Tape Besides insulating your pipes, you can also use heating tape to keep them warm. It's an electric device that you wrap directly around the pipes, and it helps maintain warmth.

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Company to Handle Burst Pipes

It's the holiday season, but you're not feeling so festive because a pipe in your home has burst. What do you do? It's time to choose a plumbing service to help you out. Here are some things to look for.

Testimonials and Reviews Social proof is key when it comes to finding a reliable plumbing service. Do some research and see what past customers have said about the company you're considering. If there are many positive reviews, that's a good sign. But if you see too many negative reviews, you may want to keep looking.
Expertise While some plumbers have expertise in complex plumbing issues, not everyone can handle a burst pipe. Make sure that the plumbing service you choose has experience dealing with such a complex problem.
Licensing and Insurance It's imperative that the plumbing service you choose is properly licensed and insured. It will ensure that your property is protected in case anything goes wrong during the repair process. Check for liability insurance to make sure that you're covered in the event of an accident or injury.
Availability When you have a plumbing emergency, it's important to find a service that can respond quickly. Check to see how fast they can respond when you call. Bonus points if they offer 24-hour emergency service.

What to Do if a Pipe Bursts

As the previous section detailed, a frozen pipe is no joke. If a pipe bursts due to being frozen, you must take immediate action to minimize the damage and prevent further complications. If a pipe bursts in your property’s plumbing system, here are some steps to take:

Shut off the main water supply.
Turn off the power if the burst pipe is located near electrical outlets or appliances.
Take precautionary steps, such as wearing protective clothing and gear.
Document the damage to help with insurance claims
Call a professional plumber.

Keep in mind that a burst pipe requires immediate professional attention. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, call Waco Plumbing Experts and let our team of skilled plumbers make your home a safe place to live again!