How to Prevent a Burst Pipe Disaster and Costly Plumbing Repair This Winter

Texas winters are typically mild when compared to northern portions of our country, but each year we seem to experience a few weeks of below-normal temperatures. This year, evening temperatures dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. Ice and wind knocked power out in some unfortunate areas.

These periods of unusually low temperatures might be a little concerning for homeowners, who are wondering whether their pipes will freeze. While certainly anything could happen and no one will declare, “Pipes will not freeze unless… “, here are some facts that will help homeowners prepare plumbing systems for cold temperatures and avoid serious plumbing repair issues.

9 Steps to Protect Your Home from Costly Plumbing Repair Due to Frozen Pipes

1 While water certainly can freeze anytime the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it usually takes water several hours at these temperatures to freeze. Air temperature rises and drops much faster than water temperature, so the freezing process for water is relatively slow.

2 Indoor water supplies absorb heat from the heated spaces. Spaces where indoor water supplies are in danger of freezing are in transition spaces, where water pipes travel through unheated spaces, such as attics or at outdoor spigots.

3 Water inside of pipes will not automatically freeze when it comes in contact with freezing temperatures. You might see videos demonstrating that water thrown up in the air can become snow very quickly, but those demonstrations happen when the temperature is -22 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It takes several hours of temperatures between 32 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

4 Most substances contract when they freeze, (fluids become solid) as molecules release energy and move closer together. However, water forms crystals as it freezes. The molecules line up end to end. Water actually expands as it freezes. The force of this expansion is incredible. It is strong enough to break rock. When captured inside a pipe, the material cannot withstand the force and that is when pipes burst.

5 When water begins to freeze inside of pipes, the water upstream and downstream give a little to absorb some of the pressure. The most vulnerable spots inside pipes are where water freezes upstream and downstream, trapping unfrozen water between. As these sections of pipe freeze, neither frozen section will give, and the force creates seams in the pipes or in pipe joints.

6 The results of frozen pipes might not be immediately evident: the water is frozen. But as the water thaws, it begins to leak. Large seams might begin spraying water immediately and become very evident. When a seam is very small, it may take several days or a week before wet spots appear as telltale signs.

7 Architects and contractors are aware of these facts and avoid putting water supply lines in outside walls. When there is no option but to install water supply lines through unconditioned space, insulation, heat tapes, or both, are usually installed to keep the water lines from freezing.

8 Outdoor spigots are usually designed to shut the water off deeper within the home, instead of at the outside wall. Lawn irrigation systems and outdoor pools should have a draining procedure for homeowners to follow to reduce the chance of frozen pipes outdoors.

9 Indoor pipes are the most vulnerable when weather conditions cause power outages at the same time as temperatures drop dangerously low. This is when most frozen pipes resulting in water damage happen.

How to Prevent a Burst Pipe Disaster and Costly Plumbing Repair

There are several emergency steps that a homeowner can take to prevent frozen pipes during dangerously cold conditions.

• Open all vanity and cabinet doors below sinks and faucets. This will allow warm air from the home to move near the water supply lines.
• Open the faucet a little in several faucets to allow the water room to move and avoid a pressure buildup. A faucet with a slow drip or slight stream can prevent water from freezing.
• Be vigilant, even days after extreme temperatures, watching for discoloration or wet areas for a week or more afterwards.
• Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat if you suspect your pipes might have frozen.

Trust Doctor Cool for Expert Plumbing Repair After the Next Texas Freeze

Even if the ice has melted, the danger of a burst pipe often hides behind your walls until the thaw begins. Small cracks caused by expanding ice can lead to devastating water damage if left unaddressed by a professional. Don’t wait for a wet spot to appear on your ceiling or floor before taking action. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today to schedule your plumbing repair appointment and ensure your home stays dry and protected.