Help Prevent Frozen Pipes and Their Risks
Winter can be a wonderland for most people, but the freezing cold could quickly become a nightmare for homeowners who aren’t prepared for it, especially if it leads to frozen pipes. This happens when a home’s plumbing system becomes exposed to extremely low temperatures, and the water inside freezes solid. When water turns to ice, it expands, which pipes typically don’t have the space to accommodate, which can cause them to crack or burst.
This doesn’t seem to be an immediate concern, especially if the water is still frozen solid, but it will eventually thaw. With the pipes broken, the water has no other recourse but to spill out into the home, causing destruction in the form of water damage. This article will share the problems that can occur due to frozen pipes and ways for homeowners to help prevent them.
Hazards of a Frozen Pipe
Frozen pipes can be dangerous for many reasons. Not only will it stop water from flowing out of the taps, but it can cause severe damage to the home when it leads to leaks or burst pipes. Leaking pipes located overhead can cause ceilings to collapse, while those that are found underground could cause flooding and structural damage.
Water that escapes when frozen pipes burst could cause flooding, water damage, and encourage mold growth, as well as cause electrical hazards due to wiring and outlets being exposed to water. For these reasons, experts in plumbing stress how important it is to prevent frozen pipes in the winter.
Why Pipe Insulation Is a Good Thing
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to prevent frozen pipes in a home. One of the most important is to add insulation to pipes, especially those that are particularly vulnerable and exposed to outside temperatures. These include plumbing that runs along exterior walls and those in unheated spaces like garages or basements.
Adding pipe insulation involves wrapping the exposed plumbing in insulating material to help it retain water temperature for extended periods and prevent rapid heat loss and freezing. Insulated pipes also help homeowners save money on their utility bills since heat loss prevention allows water heaters to function more efficiently. It can also help protect pipes from corrosion by preventing condensation.
More Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips
Adding pipe insulation is a great way to prevent frozen pipes. Still, when done in addition to other helpful techniques, homeowners will give themselves even higher chances of avoiding plumbing problems caused by frozen pipes. These techniques include keeping temperatures consistent from day to night, including when away from home.
Homeowners can also keep all that warm indoor air circulating to benefit plumbing by opening cabinet doors in the home. Garage doors, on the other hand, must be kept closed when not in use, especially if plumbing is present in the garage or if the garage isn’t heated. During freezing temperatures, homeowners can keep their taps slightly open to let water drip out. Allowing the water to run continuously will prevent it from freezing solid.
About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air
Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has been serving St. George and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for plumbing services or burst pipe repair in St. George, UT.
