When water freezes, it expands. This might not seem like a big deal—until you realize that the pressure caused by this expansion can cause your pipes to crack, split, or burst. A burst pipe can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, with proper preparation and vigilance, you can protect your plumbing from winter freezes.
Common Areas Where Pipes Freeze
Certain spots around your home are more vulnerable to freezing than others. Identifying these areas can help you focus your efforts where they matter most. It’s important to frequently check the following:
Hose Bibs and Backflows: Exterior water fixtures are highly susceptible to freezing.
Pipes on Outside Walls: These often lack sufficient heating to stay warm.
Unheated Crawl Spaces, Attics, and Basements: Spaces that aren't insulated or climate-controlled are prime freezing zones.
Walls with Minimal Insulation: Pipes within poorly insulated walls are at greater risk, especially in older homes.
Cool Breezes in Walls and Ceilings: Drafts from gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed areas can lower temperatures around pipes.
Cantilevered Walls: Overhanging walls with air pockets beneath can cool down faster, increasing pipe freeze likelihood.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a frozen or burst pipe. Some effective ways to protect your pipes and safeguard other plumbing features include:
Keep Your Thermostat Above 50 Degrees: Even if you're going out of town, maintain your home's interior temperature above 50°F to make sure pipes stay warm.
Allow Water to Drip: Moving water is less likely to freeze. On particularly chilly nights, open the faucet farthest from the main supply line to allow a slight trickle.
Disconnect & Store Hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor hose bibs. Leaving them connected traps water inside the hose and fixture, which can freeze and damage the pipe.
Turn Off Hydrants: Shut off outdoor hydrants from inside your basement. Once off, open the outside faucet to drain any remaining water.
Winterize Backflow Preventers: Properly insulating and completely draining your backflow preventers can save you from costly repairs.
Seal Up Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or insulation to seal openings around basement doors, windows, crawl spaces, and anywhere cold air might sneak in.
Open Cabinets: Open the cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Adding a small fan to blow warm air under sinks can be even more effective.
Know Your Shut-Off Valves: Familiarize yourself with your home's main water shut-off valve. Quick access can save you from significant water damage if pipes burst.
Tips for Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, it’s possible you’re dealing with frozen pipes. Acting quickly and safely can prevent further damage. Below are some tips for handling the situation with care before it worsens:
Use a Hair Dryer or Heating Pad: Apply heat evenly to the frozen section of the pipe. Never use an open flame, as this can damage the pipe or start a fire.
Wrap Hot Towels Around the Pipe: Towels soaked in hot water can gradually and gently thaw frozen pipes.
Use Space Heaters Safely: Place a space heater in the area near the frozen pipe. Make sure it's placed on a flat, stable surface and always follow safety guidelines.
Open the Faucets: When thawing pipes, keep the faucets open. This allows melted water to run out, relieving pressure within the pipe.
Turn Up the Heat: Increase the temperature inside your house to help the pipes warm up more quickly.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Despite all precautions, pipes can still burst in severe weather. If that happens, don’t panic—act quickly to minimize damage:
Shut Off the Water: Immediately turn off the main water supply to promptly stop the flow of water.
Drain the System: Open all faucets and flush the toilets to drain any remaining water from the system.
Call a Professional Plumber: Burst pipes require expert attention.
Trust Castlewood Plumbing for Your Winter Plumbing Needs
Winter plumbing issues can be stressful, but with Castlewood Plumbing just a call away, you’re never alone. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major headache. Take preventive action today to protect your pipes from freezing.
Contact our team at (636) 306-5420 today to make sure your plumbing system stays in tip-top shape all winter long.