Frozen pipes are a common winter headache that can lead to costly damage if not addressed promptly. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, potentially causing pipes to burst and resulting in extensive water damage. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains that a small split in a frozen pipe can lead to hundreds of gallons of water flooding your home, with insurance claims averaging several thousand dollars. Tretheway demonstrates effective methods for preventing and thawing frozen pipes in the video.
Why Pipes Freeze
Frozen pipes pose a significant threat to homeowners, especially during cold winter months. While many assume this is only a concern for colder regions, even warmer climates can experience frozen pipes.
Pipes freeze when exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. This typically occurs in exterior walls, hose bibs, and faucets, as well as unheated interior areas such as basements, attics, and crawlspaces.
Cold air infiltration is the primary culprit, with moving cold air being particularly problematic. Areas where pipes pass through exterior walls or where cold air can enter the home are especially vulnerable.
Consequences of Frozen Pipes
The dangers of frozen pipes extend beyond temporary inconvenience. The following are common:
- Loss of water supply
- Pipes bursting due to water expansion
- Extensive water damage to walls, floors, and personal property
- Potential for mold growth in water-damaged areas
- High repair and restoration costs
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Prevention is key. Here are several effective strategies to protect your plumbing system during cold weather.
Sealing Air Leaks
One of the most important steps in preventing frozen pipes is to identify and seal any air leaks around your home. Here’s how to do it:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps or cracks, especially where pipes enter the building.
- Check common problem areas, such as where the sill meets the foundation and around outdoor faucets.
- Seal identified leaks using expanding foam insulation or caulk.
- Pay special attention to areas where cable or other utility lines enter the home.
Insulating Pipes
Proper insulation keeps pipes warm and prevents freezing. Follow these tips:
- Use foam rubber insulation sleeves on exposed pipes in unheated areas.
- Choose the correct size insulation for your pipes (typically available in 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch sizes).
- For easier installation, look for peel-and-stick options that seal tightly around the pipe.
- Pay special attention to elbows and joints, mitering the insulation to ensure complete coverage.
Maintaining Indoor Temperature
Keeping your home adequately heated is another factor.
- Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather to keep water moving.
Identifying Frozen Pipes
Look out for these indicators:
- No water or reduced flow from faucets
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Strange odors coming from drains or faucets
- Unusual sounds when using plumbing fixtures
- Bulging or frost-covered sections of pipes
Locating Frozen Pipes
If you suspect a frozen pipe, try to locate the affected area.
- Check exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home first.
- Feel along pipes for unusually cold sections.
- Look for visible frost or ice on pipe surfaces.
- Listen for unusual sounds when turning on faucets.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you discover a frozen pipe, you’ll need to thaw it carefully to prevent damage. Trethewey advises several methods for safely thawing pipes. First, open the affected faucet to allow water to flow as the ice melts. Then, apply heat to the frozen section using one of these methods:
- Electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe
- Hair dryer
- Portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials)
- Hot towels wrapped around the pipe
Continue applying heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to ensure no other pipes are frozen.
What Not To Do
Avoid these dangerous methods when attempting to thaw pipes:
- Never use an open flame device like a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or charcoal stove.
- Don’t leave electrical heating devices unattended.
- Avoid applying heat to a section of pipe near the exterior wall, as this can increase the risk of fire.
Long-Term Frozen Pipe Prevention Strategies
To minimize the risk of frozen pipes in the future, we recommend these long-term solutions:
- Relocate exposed pipes to heated areas where possible.
- Add extra insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Install heat cables or heat tape on vulnerable pipes.
- Replace outdoor faucets with frost-proof models.
- Upgrade to pipes made of freeze-resistant materials in problem areas.
Enhanced Winter Preparations
There are additional steps you can take to enhance your home’s winter preparedness:
- Outdoor precautions: Ensure garden hoses are emptied, disconnected, and stored. Drain water from outdoor faucets before the onset of winter.
- Thermostats and alarms: Invest in programmable thermostats and low-temperature alarms. These devices can alert you if the temperature in your home dips dangerously low.
- Regular maintenance: Schedule yearly maintenance checks for your heating system to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and providing consistent warmth throughout the winter months.
When To Call a Professional for Your Pipes
While many frozen pipe problems can be handled by homeowners, there are times when professional help is necessary, such as these:
- If you can’t locate the frozen pipe
- If the frozen pipe is inaccessible
- If you’re unsure about the thawing process
- If you suspect a pipe has already burst
- If you have recurring freezing issues despite prevention efforts
Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to safely thaw pipes and can also provide advice on preventing future occurrences.
Additional Professional Services
Professionals can offer more than just thawing services:
- Insulation upgrades: They can assess your home and recommend upgrades to your insulation, particularly in vulnerable areas such as attics and crawl spaces.
- Water damage repair: If a burst pipe has caused water damage, professionals can also assist in water extraction, drying, and repairing the affected areas.
- Structural assessment: In cases of severe freezing, a professional can evaluate the structural integrity of your home’s plumbing system, ensuring there are no hidden issues that could cause future problems.
