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Prevent Drain Pipes From Freezing

Mike Rampey ·

Frozen drain pipes can cause enormous problems in your home. Take some lessons from us and learn how to prevent pipes from freezing.

WATER PIPE FREEZE SERVICES

David Rampey ·

WATER PIPE FREEZE REPAIRS - TULSA OK

The cost of household water damage due to frozen pipes averages about $15,000. Though pooling water typically freezes at 32 degrees, outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees or lower are usually required to freeze water inside household pipes. Once it happens, ice formation inside a pipe typically expands by about 9%, imposing tremendous pressure inside the pipe, all too frequently causing a pipe rupture. The fact that a pipe has broken due to freezing may not be apparent until later, when temperatures rise and the pipe thaws.

A typical home water-supply line has a flow rate averaging 8 to 10 gallons per minute. If that pipe ruptures, the amount of water turned loose in your home can wreak severe damage on the structure of the house as well as on your possessions. However, you’re not helpless against the threat of damage that may occur due to frozen pipes. Here are some preventive measures you can take before frigid weather, as well as what to do once it strikes.

  • Insulate now. Before cold weather strikes, install foam pipe insulation on all accessible spans of both cold- and hot-water pipes inside and under the house. The insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe and helps avoid ice formation that causes rupture.

  • Turn up the thermostat. If extremely cold temperatures below 25 degrees are forecast, set the furnace thermostat to 70 degrees and maintain that temperature as long as frigid conditions persist.

  • Let the faucets drip. Opening cold-water faucets to allow a slow drip of water during low temperatures reduces pressure inside pipes that occurs if ice forms. This can make the difference between merely frozen pipes and a ruptured pipe that causes water damage.

  • Circulate warm air. Open cabinet doors and closets in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes in those areas.

  • Know the location of your house's main water shut-off valve. Test it once a year to ensure it turns freely.

For more advice about preventing frozen pipes and the damage that ensues, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.