We’ve all experienced the burst water pipe.
The mess and the damage and the expense are all stressful and how often does it happen at the worst possible time? So perhaps if hang on a moment, and understand it on why they spill we may actually control it from taking place.
First, it’s just physics – but that may not be your forte! Long story short: The water that’s coming inside your home from the outdoors is a lot colder in winter than it is in summer. As water gets colder, pipes contract and you can cause a burst pipe in any of the weaker points because of where this pressure is building up.
What Temperature Does Water Freeze in Pipes?
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but the pipes in your home are shielded from outside freezing temperatures by your home insulation. So on days when outside temperatures fall to 32 degrees, it’s improbable – indeed impossible – that your pipes will freeze.
In general, it usually takes outside temperatures dipping down to at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit for your home’s pipes to begin to freeze. Of course, where you’re located (geographically) is a precursory factor because in parts that are used to low temperatures, your water pipes would be better insulated in the core of your home than anywhere else.
How Long Does It Take To Freeze Pipes And Causing Them To Burst?
The first thing to think about is what the outside temperature is, and for how long it’s likely to stay at that temperature – or perhaps even lower. As a general rule of thumb, the temperature needs to be 20 degrees or colder for at least six hours for your pipes to freeze.
How effective your home’s insulation is and how deep into your home your water pipes are located will be significant factors in determining how long it will take for your pipes to freeze and burst. So, if you live in a region that has no ice-cold winters, then the likelihood is that you’ve probably got next to none to would protect your pipes against frigid temperatures. In a case like this, it would take much less time for your pipes to freeze and burst.
What You Can Do to Prevent Your Water Pipes from Freezing and Bursting
By allowing the ground temperature to not be heated, preventing the contraction of cold water is something you cannot control. As the temperatures continue to fluctuate, we advise you to keep an eye on your plumbing, especially for leaks.
Although you’re powerless to prevent leaks resulting from plunging temperatures, there are actions you can take to keep pipes from freezing and bursting:
Keep Water Faucets Running
When it’s very cold outside, always let one or two faucets drip slowly. Once the line fills up with water it should stop it from freezing.
Redirect Warm Air to the Cold Spots in Your Home
There are two types of pipes that tend to freeze: Those that come into contact with an outside window or wall and those exposed to colder areas of your home and don’t get especially warm air around them. So directing warm air to a colder part of the house should help. Tip: Begin in the basement area and check for pipes near the outer part of your house.
Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Most of the time, your kitchen sink is on an outside wall, so when you leave your cabinet doors ajar, the warm air will enter the cabinet. It’s again an advantage to keep your kitchen faucet running in very cold weather.
Remove Your Hose from the Outside Faucet
If you keep your outside hose connected, the water cannot drain out of the hose and can freeze and break. Your best bet: Disconnect your hose.
Install Heat Tape
A product known as heat tape is made to elevate pipe temperature in winter weather, so it is advised that you employ it. You can get a licensed plumber to install this or its relatively easy to install with some good advice.
Seal Air Leaks That Let Cold Air into Your House
It’s a good idea to seal leaks that let in cold air in your home – especially around where your pipes are located. You can typically find air leaks around areas like dryer vents, pipes, and electrical wiring. Seal with caulk or insulation – even a tiny leak can provide enough airflow to freeze your pipes.
Test Your Entire House for the Right Temperature
You want to keep your home at a steady temperature – ideally above 32 degrees. This helps to be comfortable inside of your homes even during less favorable weather and also minimizes the chances of your water lines freezing up and bursting.
Call an Expert Plumber
Identifying potential pipe bursts and preventing them is something that an expert licensed plumber is trained, knowledgeable, and experienced in. At Day & Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we’re here to offer tips and tricks to help prevent your home’s water pipes from bursting.
But if – for whatever reason, despite all your best efforts – you are the victim of a burst pipe, or water leaks, our experienced team here at Day & Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can surely help!
When it comes to re-piping services and pipe repairs (i.e. anything to do with water pipes), our Albuquerque plumbing team are experts!
We will swiftly assess the issue you are facing, and design a personalized solution tailored to your needs. We can help you understand what’s going on, why we’re doing what we’re doing and assure you you’re in the best possible hands. We discuss what you want before we begin work, but that doesn’t mean you lack the benefits of our advice.
We placed focus on ensuring complete customer satisfaction, which meant, being courteous, on time, and getting the job done right, the first time. So pick up the phone and call Day & Night Plumbing on 505-974-5797 and see for yourself why our customers return to us for all of their plumbing needs.
