Frozen Pipes: Causes and Prevention

Winter is coming, and with it comes the risk of frozen pipes. They may seem harmless but can actually lead to some grave consequences, including flooding, electrical and fire hazards, and irreversible structural damage.

With timely intervention, you can prevent frozen pipes from causing irreversible damage to your home and endangering your safety and well-being. Below, we will walk you through everything you need to know to deal with frozen pipes.

Frozen Pipes

You might think that a frozen pipe means that the pipe material that has become frozen. But what plumbers call “frozen pipes” are pipes that contain icy or frozen water in them. You might think, “what’s the big deal about that?” After all, it’s just harmless water, right? Unlike other liquids, water expands when it freezes. When this happens in an enclosed, inflexible chamber (like a pipe), the expanding water starts exerting significant pressure on the walls.

This pressure can build up pretty quickly. Before you know it, the pipes will start to crack and leak until the pressure is too much to bear. At this point, the pipe bursts.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

We now understand the science behind frozen pipes; water expands when it freezes and exerts pressure against the inner pipe walls until they burst.

But there are a few factors that increase the risk of the water freezing inside your pipes in wintertime. Here are some of them:

Poor pipe insulation— Pipes are typically insulated to prevent heat loss, which saves energy and reduces the risk of frozen pipes. If you don’t insulate and weatherize your pipes, they could easily become frozen.
Poor home insulation— Likewise, poor insulation inside your home or commercial property could lead to heat loss from your pipes.
Exposure to cold air— If your pipes are located near unsealed windows and doors, the escaping draft puts your pipes at risk of freezing.
Age and condition of pipe— If you haven’t been keeping up with regular maintenance, your plumbing system is at the weather’s mercy. Old, cracked, or corroded pipes can’t shield the water from the elements as well as a new, sturdy pipe.
Lack of water flow— When water is flowing through the pipe, it regulates its own temperature. But when it becomes stagnant due to infrequent use of the pipes, it’s more likely to freeze.
Frozen ground— Sometimes, it gets so cold that the ground becomes rock solid. This can cause underground pipes to freeze.

Hazards of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes may not sound like a big deal. But if you don’t take appropriate action, a frozen pipe can lead to extensive property and infrastructure damage, endanger your health and safety, and devastate the environment.

These are just some of the hazards of frozen pipes and the consequences of delaying their repair:

Burst pipes— The most serious consequence of frozen pipes is the high risk of pipes bursting. Burst pipes can cause extensive damage to your property and pose a threat to your safety and health.
Flooding— When frozen water inside the pipes expands and exerts pressure on the walls, it can cause the pipes to burst, leading to flooding in your home or business.
Electrical and fire hazards— If the pipes that are frozen lead to an appliance, like a dishwasher, the appliance may malfunction and even result in electrical shocks or fires.
Structural damage—The pressure caused by frozen water can lead to cracks and leaks in the pipes, which can cause damage to the structure of your property.
Contamination— If the frozen pipes contain sewage, the sewage can leak out and seep into your home and the surrounding ground.
High repair costs— Repairing a frozen pipe is much easier and cheaper than replacing burst pipes and damaged appliances.
Legal consequences— If you own a commercial property and someone gets hurt because of flooding, burst pipes, or contamination, you could face legal consequences

Signs That Your Pipes Are Frozen

If you can detect and locate a frozen pipe on time, you can easily avoid the problems mentioned above. Here are some clear signs that your pipes are frozen:

Decreased water flow or no water in taps.
Frost or ice on the outside of pipes or surrounding surfaces.
Odd smell or taste in the water.
Strange noises coming from the pipes.
Visible signs of water damage, such as wet spots or mold.
Wet spots on floors, walls, or ceilings.

If you detect any of these signs of frozen pipes, it’s time to take swift action.

How to Unfreeze Your Pipes

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, here are five steps you can take to try and unfreeze them:

Locate the frozen section of the pipe.
Keep the faucet open to help release any built-up pressure in the pipes.
Apply heat to the pipes using a hairdryer, space heater, or hot water.
Insulate the pipes to shield them from the cold and prevent further freezing.
Once you’ve thawed the frozen section, turn on the faucet and let the water flow for a few minutes.

It’s important to note that trying to unfreeze your pipes yourself can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know exactly where the frozen section is located. Moreover, you have to be cautious and precise while heating the pipe so as to not damage them further.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable trying to unfreeze your pipes, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Given all the perils of frozen pipes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Taking proactive steps to prevent your pipes from freezing can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s how:

Insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics and garages.
Seal any gaps or cracks around your windows and doors to minimize the draft.
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate the pipes located under the sink.
Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night.
Install pipe heating cables or heat tape on exposed pipes.
Leave the faucet open ever so slightly to help keep the water inside the pipes constantly moving.

Call Us Today To Unfreeze Your Pipes

Don’t let a frozen pipe put a damper on your winter wonderland. Call Lake Pleasant Plumbers today to help you and your pipes beat the cold.

With our team of skilled and experienced plumbers on your side, your pipes will be ready to take on the harsh weather. From insulation to heating cables, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep your pipes flowing smoothly throughout the cold season.