Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing
The Expensive Consequence of a Frozen Supply Line is Avoidable
Dec 17, 2008
Every winter season, plumbers receive phone calls from homeowners whose water pipes have frozen or burst. One of water’s unique properties is that it expands when it freezes. The outward force exerted by freezing water can easily rupture whatever container—including a metal or plastic pipe—that confines it.
Obviously, water pipes that are exposed to severe cold are most likely to freeze: sprinkler system lines; swimming pool supply lines; outdoor faucets; home supply lines under cabinets on exterior walls or in unheated garages, crawl spaces, and attics; water lines in wells and pump houses. Pipes in warmer climates can also freeze, since many homes in such areas aren’t well insulated.
By practicing a few simple precautions, homeowners can avoid the inconvenient—and expensive—consequences of broken water lines.
Preventing Frozen Pipes—Before the Weather Turns Cold
- At the end of summer, drain swimming pool supply lines and lawn and landscape sprinkler systems. (Do not put antifreeze in drained lines; it is toxic to animals and plants).
- Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses. If hose bibs have shut-off valves, close them and drain faucets. If no shut-off is available—or if frost-free faucets have not been installed—cover faucets with insulation or Styrofoam covers.
- Install thermostatically-controlled heat lamps in pump houses.
- Survey property for other water supply lines that may be unprotected: unheated basements, attics, crawlspaces, and garages; under cabinets on exterior walls; at the water meter; at the point where main supply lines cross the foundation into the house. Insulate both hot and cold water lines in these areas (hot water lines freeze as readily as cold water lines if water is not flowing through them).
- Protect exposed pipes by wrapping with foam pipe sleeves (taping at all junctions), covering with fiberglass insulation, or installing UL-listed heat tape or heat cable. Even several layers of newspaper will do in a pinch when temperatures aren’t expected to remain cold for prolonged periods.
Preventing Frozen Pipes—When It’s Already Cold
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls where water pipes are located (beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, for example). Remove harmful chemicals to prevent access by pets and children.
- If exposed pipes run through the garage, keep garage doors closed.
- Consider temporarily closing or covering crawlspace vents, especially if very cold temperatures are accompanied by high winds; this combination will freeze pipes more quickly. (Remember to open the vents when the danger has passed; it is important to maintain ventilation of crawlspaces).
- When water will not be used for several hours, allow indoor faucets to drip lukewarm water; this protects both hot and cold lines. About one drop per second is sufficient.
- If leaving the home, set the thermostat to 65º.
Thawing a Frozen Pipe
- If a pipe does freeze (usually only a trickle will run from an open faucet), Do not use a torch to thaw it. A torch can cause the water inside the pipe to boil, and the pipe could explode.
- Leave the involved faucet open while warming the pipe until full pressure is restored.
- Wrap an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the frozen section of pipe.
- Use a hair dryer or a space heater to thaw the pipe.
- If the pipe cannot be thawed (or if the frozen section cannot be located) contact a licensed plumber.
It may cost a few extra dollars to keep one’s pipes from freezing during a cold snap, but this is far less expensive than the costly consequence of a burst pipe.
 |
