As winter approaches, the weather changes. The temperatures get colder and it can be something that can threaten the integrity of your pipes. This guide will discuss how cold weather pipes can be a problem for your household and what can be done if you’re dealing with a potential disaster.
Burst pipes can lead to flooding in the affected area. Even worse, it could lead to water damage and worse, mold growth. It is important that you take the necessary precautions during the winter months to ensure that your pipes continue to remain durable and long-lasting.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Pipes
In cold weather, your pipes may be susceptible to freezing due to low temperatures. This is common in areas where winter conditions can be quite harsh. When there is water inside the pipes and it freezes, it will cause expansion.
From there, that expansion can lead to an increase in pressure. With just enough pressure, it can lead to your pipes cracking or even bursting. This can lead to your pipes leaking or even spilling out a large amount of water.
That’s why it is important that you consider taking the necessary precautions to ensure your pipes do not freeze in temperatures that are below freezing. Let’s go forth and take a look at a few ideas to consider.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you are dealing with water flow that is blocked or restricted, this could be one of a variety of issues. Frozen water is the major culprit here (if nothing else is in the way). This will obviously lead to a disruption of your daily tasks – especially the ones that require usage of your water supply such as doing dishes, taking a shower, or something else.
If you believe your pipes are freezing, it is important to take the necessary measures to thaw them.
Thawing frozen pipes can be done by one of the following effective methods:
Use a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun: You’ll want to gently heat the frozen section of the pipe using either a hair dryer or a heat gun. To begin, start from the end of your faucet and work your way towards the area where the blockage is located. It is important to avoid using anything that produces an open flame as it can be a fire hazard.
Wrap Pipes with Warm Towels: With this approach, you want to soak warm towels in warm water. Next, wrap them up around the frozen pipes. This will help thaw out any ice within the pipes.
Apply Electric Heating Tape: This will be designed to provide a controlled amount of heat to your pipes, preventing them from freezing. Make sure that the affected pipes are wrapped accordingly and plug it in to ensure they flaw properly.
Insulated Pipe Sleeves
Of course, cold weather pipes can be prevented by way of insulated pipe sleeves. These are designed to safeguard your plumbing system from dealing with the brunt of harsh winter weather. It will help minimize heat loss that would otherwise serve as the catalyst for frozen pipes.
These sleeves are made from materials that provide you with excellent insulation. By wrapping them around the exposed pipes or unheated areas, you provide them with an extra layer of insulation that will ensure a consistent temperature.
Additional Prevention Tips and Precautions
As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The same applies when it comes to your pipes. It is important to make the necessary preparations to ensure your home is ready for winter.
Costly repairs and water damage should both be prevented. Which is why you will need to follow these prevention tips such as the following down below:
Insulate exposed pipes: You’ll want to carefully inspect all of your pipes and identify the ones that are unheated. These may be found in your basement, crawl spaces, and attics. Once you are able to find them, be sure to use insulated pipe sleeves to ensure they stay warm throughout the winter.
Seal leaks and cracks: Gaps and cracks in your pipes can serve as an opening for cold air to seep in. That’s why you need to seal them with caulk or weatherstripping as soon as possible.
Keep interior spaces warm: It is important that you maintain a consistent indoor temperature, especially on days when the weather is extremely cold. Adequate heating can help prevent the temperatures inside your home from dropping to levels where pipes can freeze.
Allow faucets to drip: While dripping faucets might be a sign of an issue, this one is different. You’ll want to allow the faucets to drip slightly during the night (especially with extremely cold temperatures outdoors). It’s true that one of the best prevention methods of frozen pipes is to keep the water flowing.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: This should be done prior to the winter season. Make sure that all outdoor hoses are disconnected and drained. This will reduce the risk of freezing.
Protect outdoor faucets: Install any insulated faucet covers on outdoor faucets to shield them from cold and freezing temperatures. This will help add extra insulation along with the prevention of ice formation.
Schedule a professional inspection: If you may not have the time to inspect your plumbing system, you can schedule a professional inspection from a licensed plumber. They can be able to spot any potential issues and recommend the preventative measures that you need to take to protect your pipes.
Conclusion
Cold weather pipes can be an issue. However, they can be preventable. It is important that you follow some of the suggested tips to ensure your pipes suffer due to cold temperatures.
Preventing pipes from cracking and bursting is also preventing a huge disaster that can be created by floods. Water damage and the aftermath are no easy task to handle. So be sure to take the time to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.