Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. When water freezes, it expands, putting tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it. This can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage and repairs. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent frozen pipes in your home. Here are some tips on keeping pipes from freezing during cold weather:
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Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when temperatures drop below freezing (32°F/0°C) for an extended period of time. The water inside the pipes loses heat to its surroundings, eventually turning to ice. Metal and plastic pipes are at risk of bursting when this happens.
Some of the most common reasons pipes freeze include:
- Inadequate insulation – Exposed pipes or those with insufficient insulation are at high risk.
- Cracks or gaps – Any external openings let cold air reach the water.
- Poor circulation – Stagnant water is more likely to freeze than moving water.
- Drafty locations – Pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated basements and crawlspaces are vulnerable.
- Substandard materials – Older galvanized steel pipes are more prone to bursting than copper or PEX.
Understanding why pipes freeze guides you in how to protect them. The key is limiting their exposure to freezing conditions.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
When cold weather settles in, be proactive to reduce the chances of frozen pipes:
Insulate Pipes
Exposed pipes in attics, basements and crawlspaces are at high risk. Insulating them is one of the best defenses. Pipe insulation is available at hardware stores as slit foam tubes. The insulation slides over the pipe and seals with adhesive. Use the appropriate thickness for the pipe size.
Also insulate pipes in outer walls by opening access panels to apply insulation inside the wall cavity. Seal any cracks or openings around pipes passing through walls, floors, ceilings or foundations. Expanding spray foam works well for this.
Protect Outdoor Faucets
Detach hoses from any external spigots during the winter and make sure the faucets close tightly. For added protection, slide insulating foam covers over the faucets. Some also have Styrofoam caps to fit inside when the hose is removed.
Seal Air Leaks
Cracks and openings throughout a home can let freezing air reach otherwise protected pipes. Do a thorough check for potential leaks around windows, doors, electrical wiring and dryer vents. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal openings.
Improving overall insulation also helps retain heat to protect pipes. Add extra insulation in attics, basements and crawlspaces if needed.
Maintain Heat
Keeping your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) provides enough ambient warmth to keep most pipes protected. When leaving your home for several days, do not turn the heat off completely.
Set the thermostat to a minimum temperature to prevent freezing. Consider draining your plumbing and water heater if you’ll be away for an extended time.
Check Interior Walls
Pipes in interior walls can be overlooked but are still vulnerable in severely cold conditions. Check for drafts from electrical outlets, windows or baseboard heating units. Use foam sealant or insulation behind outlets to block cold air.
Leave cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to reach pipes. Keep garage doors closed to separate this colder area from the rest of the house.
Run a Trickle
For pipes you can’t insulate, allowing a small trickle of water to run continuously gives freezing water no time to accumulate. Choose the faucet farther from the main shut-off valve so the running water reaches all the pipes.
Be sure to check for leaks, which can waste large amounts of water. Also, verify that your pipes can handle the increased pressure and flow.
Drain Pipes
One surefire way to prevent freezing is to remove all water from the pipes. This is especially helpful for pipes exposed to freezing temperatures, such as in vacation homes, storage areas, cabins and mobile homes.
After shutting off the main water valve, open faucets throughout the home to allow water to drain from the pipes. Flush toilets to empty the tanks. Pour antifreeze into drains and toilets to prevent trapping water.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
Be alert for signals that your plumbing has frozen so you can promptly thaw pipes before they burst:
- Little or no water coming from faucets
- Pipes feel much colder than surrounding areas
- Unusual banging or loud dripping noises
- Discolored or cracked pipes
- Low water pressure throughout home
- Higher than normal bills if pipes are leaking once thawed
Catching frozen pipes early allows you to safely thaw them before major damage occurs.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you suspect or confirm that pipes are frozen, gently warm them to help restore water flow:
Use a Hair Dryer
One of the safest ways to thaw small sections of exposed pipe is with a handheld hair dryer on its lowest heat setting. Avoid using high heat. Move the dryer back and forth across the length of pipe. The metal will change color as it warms.
Apply Hot Packs
Chemical hot packs designed for sore muscles also work well. Activate several packs as directed and wrap them around the frozen pipe. Secure with duct tape or towels. Caution – they can burn bare skin.
Pour Hot Water
For long exposed pipes, boil several large pots of water and slowly pour the hot water over the frozen section. Refill the pots as needed to continue heating the pipe. Avoid pouring directly on pipes made of PVC, CPVC or ABS plastic which could crack.
Set Up Space Heaters
Position portable space heaters aimed at exposed pipes to warm them gradually. This works best for pipes located in cabinets or other small spaces. Monitor heating progress frequently.
Call a Plumber
If you are unable to locate or safely thaw the frozen area, or if pipes have already burst, it’s best to contact a professional plumber. They have specialized equipment to safely and effectively thaw pipes. Trying to thaw pipes on your own can waste time and cause additional damage.
Avoid using open flames or propane torches which can be fire hazards. Chemical pipe thawing products also contain toxic ingredients and should be handled by professionals. Calling a plumber promptly can help prevent extensive water loss.
Prioritize Safety
When dealing with frozen pipes:
- Never leave space heaters unattended
- Be extremely cautious using any open flames
- Never use electrical appliances near standing water
- Wear gloves when handling hot packs
- Check for hidden electrical wires before drilling into walls
- Watch for refreezing melted pipes
Rushing the thawing process can lead to scalding, fires, electrical shock and further pipe damage. Call in a professional if you have difficulties or safety concerns.
Prevent Pipe Burst Damage
If a frozen pipe does rupture, follow these steps to minimize water damage:
- Immediately shut off main water valve for your home
- Switch off electricity if wires are exposed to standing water
- Redirect the water if possible by poking small holes to drain away from valuables
- Move rugs, furniture and other items away from flooding
- Remove items from lower shelves or the floor of affected rooms
- Set up fans, dehumidifiers or heaters to dry out excess moisture
- Document damage with pictures for insurance claims
Containing the water quickly reduces damage and allows for faster drying and repairs. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
Clean Up Water Damage
Once pipes thaw and water is shut off, drying and cleaning flooded areas helps prevent mold problems. Remove standing water with a wet/dry vacuum. Absorb remaining moisture with towels and other soft, absorbent materials.
Place bowls or buckets under wet ceilings or fixtures to catch dripping water. Remove sections of water-logged carpets, padding and other soft goods. Circulate air with fans to assist drying. Dehumidifiers also help remove moisture from the air.
Disinfect and deodorize damp areas with mild bleach solutions or cleaning products formulated to kill mold and mildew. Ventilate the space using open windows, doors and fans. Contact a water damage restoration company if flooding is extensive or in hard to access areas. Letting things dry completely prevents further structural damage.
Repair Burst Pipes
Once dry, assess pipes to determine required repairs:
- Replace visibly damaged sections with matching PEX, copper or steel pipes
- Use compression fittings that don’t require soldering if DIYing
- Remove and replace drywall or paneling if embedded pipes burst
- Consult a plumber if pipes are inaccessible or repairs are extensive
- Update insulation after repairing cold-exposed pipes
Test all pipes to check for leaks after restoring water service to the home. Continue monitoring temperatures and run water occasionally during cold spells to prevent refreezing. Consider re-routing or replacing chronically problematic pipes. Being prepared helps avoid dealing with frozen pipes every winter.
Prevention Is the Best Approach
While dealing with frozen pipes is never fun, the best defense is prevention. Taking proactive measures to protect your plumbing before temperatures drop can help avoid costly repairs and water damage headaches. Invest time sealing leaks, insulating pipes and maintaining heat in your home.
Know the locations of main shut-off valves and interior access panels. Educate family members on monitoring and thawing techniques. Preparation provides peace of mind no matter how frigid the weather gets. Implementing preventative steps makes it far less likely you’ll have to contend with frozen pipes.
| Preventive Measure | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Insulate pipes | Retains heat to keep pipes warm |
| Seal cracks and gaps | Blocks cold air from reaching pipes |
| Maintain heat | Provides ambient warmth around pipes |
| Drain outdoor faucets | Removes vulnerable standing water |
| Close garage doors | Separates piping from cold areas |
| Open cabinet doors | Allows warmer air to circulate |
Conclusion
Freezing temperatures create the risk of frozen pipes and resulting burst damage. Protect your plumbing by insulating, sealing leaks, retaining heat in your home and draining systems when away. Monitor pipes closely during cold spells. If you do face frozen pipes, thaw carefully with indirect heat sources and contact a plumber at the first sign of rupture. Implementing preventive measures makes it far more likely you’ll avoid plumbing disasters this winter.