how to prevent burst pipes Archives

Winter pipe bursts are a common issue that homeowners face during the colder months. When temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to burst. This can lead to significant water damage, costly repairs, and an overall stressful situation. Understanding the risks associated with winter pipe bursts is the first step in preventing them. Factors such as the age of the pipes, the material they are made from, and their location within the home all play a role in their susceptibility to bursting.

Older pipes are more prone to bursting due to wear and tear over the years. Pipes made from materials like copper or galvanized steel are also more likely to burst compared to those made from modern materials like PEX. Additionally, pipes located in unheated areas of the home, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, are at a higher risk of freezing and bursting. By understanding these risks, homeowners can take proactive measures to protect their pipes and avoid the inconvenience and expense of dealing with a burst pipe.

Insulating Pipes for Winter Protection

One of the most effective methods for preventing winter pipe bursts is to insulate your pipes. Insulation helps to keep the pipes warm and protect them from freezing temperatures. There are several types of pipe insulation available, including foam pipe sleeves, fiberglass insulation, and heat tape. Foam pipe sleeves are easy to install and provide excellent insulation for pipes in unheated areas. Fiberglass insulation is another option, particularly for larger pipes or pipes in extremely cold areas.

Heat tape is a specialized type of insulation that can be wrapped around pipes to provide a consistent source of warmth. This is particularly useful for pipes that are exposed to very low temperatures or for pipes that have a history of freezing. When insulating your pipes, be sure to cover all exposed areas, including bends and joints, to ensure maximum protection. Properly insulating your pipes can significantly reduce the risk of winter pipe bursts and provide peace of mind during the colder months.

Maintaining a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is another key factor in preventing winter pipe bursts. When the temperature inside your home fluctuates, it can cause the pipes to expand and contract, increasing the risk of bursting. To avoid this, set your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even when you are not at home. It is recommended to keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the pipes remain warm enough to prevent freezing.

In addition to setting your thermostat, you can also use space heaters in areas of the home that are particularly prone to cold temperatures, such as basements and attics. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using space heaters to prevent any fire hazards. By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, you can help to protect your pipes from the extreme cold and reduce the risk of winter pipe bursts.

a man setting thermostat to a consistent setting.

By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, you can help to protect your pipes from the extreme cold and reduce the risk of winter pipe bursts.

Draining Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems

Outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable to freezing during the winter months. To prevent these pipes from bursting, it is important to drain them before the temperatures drop. Start by turning off the water supply to the outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Once the water supply is turned off, open the faucets and allow any remaining water to drain out. If your sprinkler system has a drain valve, be sure to open it and allow the water to drain completely.

In addition to draining the water, you can also use insulation to protect outdoor faucets. Foam faucet covers are an easy and effective way to insulate outdoor faucets and prevent them from freezing. By taking these steps to drain and insulate your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems, you can protect them from the risk of winter pipe bursts and ensure that they are ready to use again in the spring.

Using Heat Tape or Heating Cables

Heat tape and heating cables are valuable tools for preventing winter pipe bursts, especially in areas that are prone to extreme cold. These products work by providing a consistent source of heat to the pipes, preventing them from freezing. Heat tape is typically wrapped around the pipes and plugged into an electrical outlet, while heating cables can be installed along the length of the pipes and controlled with a thermostat.

When using heat tape or heating cables, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use. Be sure to check the products regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed. By using heat tape or heating cables, you can provide an additional layer of protection for your pipes and reduce the risk of winter pipe bursts.

Keeping Cabinet Doors Open

Another simple yet effective method for preventing winter pipe bursts is to keep cabinet doors open. This is particularly important for cabinets that contain pipes, such as those under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. By keeping the cabinet doors open, you allow warm air from the rest of the home to circulate around the pipes, helping to keep them warm and prevent freezing.

This method is especially useful during periods of extreme cold or when you are away from home for an extended period. Be sure to remove any items from the cabinets that could obstruct the airflow, and consider using a space heater in the room if necessary. By keeping cabinet doors open, you can help to protect your pipes from the risk of winter pipe bursts.

a person leaving their faucet dripping in winter.

While allowing faucets to drip may result in a slight increase in your water bill, it is a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing a burst pipe.

Allowing Faucets to Drip

Allowing faucets to drip is another effective method for preventing winter pipe bursts. When you allow a small amount of water to flow through the pipes, it helps to relieve pressure and prevent the pipes from freezing. This is particularly important for faucets that are located on exterior walls or in unheated areas of the home.

To use this method, simply turn on the faucet to allow a slow, steady drip. Be sure to do this for both hot and cold water lines, as both are susceptible to freezing. While allowing faucets to drip may result in a slight increase in your water bill, it is a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing a burst pipe. By allowing faucets to drip, you can help to protect your pipes from the risk of winter pipe bursts.

Regularly Checking for Leaks and Weak Points

Regularly checking for leaks and weak points in your plumbing system is an important part of winter pipe care. Leaks and weak points can make pipes more susceptible to freezing and bursting, so it is important to address any issues as soon as they arise. Start by inspecting all visible pipes for signs of leaks, such as water stains, dampness, or mold growth.

In addition to inspecting visible pipes, be sure to check areas that are prone to leaks, such as around faucets, valves, and joints. If you notice any signs of a leak, take immediate action to repair it. This may involve tightening connections, replacing worn-out washers, or calling a professional plumber for assistance. By regularly checking for leaks and weak points, you can help to protect your pipes from the risk of winter pipe bursts.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

Despite your best efforts, there may still be times when a pipe bursts. Knowing what to do in this situation can help to minimize damage and reduce stress. The first step is to turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent any further water from flowing through the burst pipe. Next, open all faucets to allow any remaining water to drain out of the pipes.

Once the water has been turned off and drained, you can begin to assess the damage. If the burst pipe is in a visible location, you may be able to make a temporary repair using a pipe clamp or epoxy putty. However, it is important to call a professional plumber to make a permanent repair as soon as possible. In the meantime, use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to clean up any water and prevent further damage to your home.

If the burst pipe has caused significant damage, such as flooding or structural damage, it may be necessary to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to document the damage with photos and keep any receipts for repairs and cleanup. By knowing what to do if a pipe bursts, you can help to minimize damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Professional Help and When to Seek It

While there are many steps you can take to prevent winter pipe bursts, there may be times when professional help is necessary. If you are unsure about how to properly insulate your pipes, install heat tape, or make repairs, it is best to call an emergency plumber for assistance. A plumber can provide expert advice and ensure that your plumbing system is properly protected from the cold.

In addition to preventative measures, it is important to seek professional help if you experience a burst pipe. A plumber can quickly assess the situation, make necessary repairs, and help to prevent further damage to your home. By seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure that your plumbing system is well-maintained and protected from the risks of winter pipe bursts.

How exactly do you prevent burst pipes? A burst pipe in your home is one of those plumbing emergencies you think cannot happen to you until it does. Every year millions of homes in the USA suffer damage from burst pipes. This year alone, it is estimated that as many as 250,000 households will face this issue, with the average insurance claim for each home at around $15,000.

When a water pipe breaks and releases water into your home, as Keyrenter McAllen explains, not only does the incident disrupt your daily life, but you are also faced with thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket costs, along with the paperwork of an insurance claim. This is in addition to how the incident can inflate your insurance premium. What can you do to avoid the aggravations of a burst pipe in your home?

How to keep pipes from bursting

There are three main reasons why pipes burst:

The pipes could be defective due to age, corrosion, or other reasons.
Improperly installed pipes are more likely to rupture or leak.
But the main reason that water lines burst in cold weather.

If pipes are exposed to very low temperatures during winter, the water inside them can freeze. Frozen water expands up to 10%. If that water is inside a pipe, it will have no place to go and can exert up to 40,000 pounds of pressure inside the pipe, and that’s enough to burst any pipe. Even worse, the pipe may not burst at the site of the freeze, further complicating issues.

How do you keep pipes from bursting because of cold temperatures?

Insulate walls and rooms

Crawlspaces, exterior walls, attics, and basements; pipes in these areas of the home are particularly susceptible to freezing. That’s because most attics and basements are not heated, while crawlspaces and exterior walls are exposed to the cold weather outside the house. Insulating exterior walls, attics, crawlspaces, and basements will keep the pipes that run in them from freezing.

Let warm air circulate

Keep the doors of under-the-sink closets open to allow the warm air inside your home to circulate to these areas. If the closet doors are shut, cold air will seep into the area from the outside, and the pipes could freeze. Keeping closet doors open when temperatures are low is a simple way to keep pipes from freezing during winter.

Keep faucets trickling

Pipes are less likely to freeze and burst if water flows through them. The constant movement of water through the pipes ensures that cold water does not stay long enough in one place to freeze. The easy way to do this is to leave faucets slightly open so that a dribble of water constantly flows from them.

Install heat tape

If a pipe is prone to freezing and taking the above steps does not solve the problem, use heat tape. Wrap this around the pipe to warm it when temperatures get low. Note that covering pipes with foam insulation will not do much to keep them warm. Heat tape is a more effective solution.

Disconnect garden hoses

Disconnect any garden hose connected to your external faucet. Drain the hose and store it for use in spring. Open the tap to let any water inside it drain; turn off the shut-off valve inside your home before you do this. Lastly, keep the faucet open throughout winter. It is also a good idea to install freeze-proof fixtures in this part of the house.

What to do when a pipe bursts

What if your pipe has burst, what can you do about it? The first order of business when you have a burst pipe is to try and minimize damage. The following steps will help you do that.

Know the location of the water shut-off valve

This fixture will cut off the water supply to the entire home, buying you time during an emergency. You should know where it is located beforehand. In most homes, you can find it after the water meter. But you may also find it in a small box outside your home if the house is in an area with moderately cold winters.

When you find the water shut-off valve, explain its use to your household and teach everyone in the home how to operate it. Attaching a bold label to the shut-off valve is an excellent idea to make it easy to identify. This small step can help you reduce expensive water damage to your home if a pipe burst.

Use self-bonding tape for emergencies

If the pipe bursts at night, you may be unable to get a plumber immediately, or the cost of getting a plumber may be too high. In that case, you can apply silicon self-binding tape to the pipe to seal it. This will let you turn the water on for short periods to get through the night. Calling an emergency plumber can apply a permanent solution.

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Winter Pipe Care: Effective Methods to Avert Bursts