Chloe Zhang
Plastic tubing is vulnerable to freezing, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. This is due to the water inside the pipes expanding and creating pressure as it freezes. To prevent this, pipes should be insulated, particularly in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Pipes should also be kept inside the home where possible, and installers should consider the pipe layout to minimise the probability of freezing. In cold weather, it is recommended to keep faucets dripping slightly to prevent freezing.
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What You'll Learn
Insulate pipes
Plastic pipes are inherently better insulators of heat energy and worse conductors of heat when compared to traditional metal pipes. However, in freezing temperatures, water can freeze inside pipes and expand, causing them to crack or burst. To prevent this, you can insulate your pipes.
First, locate all the places inside and outside your house where water pipes might be affected by the cold. This includes attics, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. Pipes inside the home will benefit from the heating and insulation of the home itself. Pipes should be kept away from walls that are poorly insulated, as the risk of freezing is extremely high.
Next, gather your insulation materials. You can purchase these online or from a hardware store. Alternatively, you can use old rags, towels, or newspaper to wrap around your pipes. The material should be something that can provide respectable insulation. Wrap pipes with your chosen material, then wrap that in a plastic bag, and secure it with a rubber band. This will keep the insulation material secure and help to keep the pipe dry and warm.
You can also use specific products made to insulate water pipes, such as a "pipe sleeve", or UL-listed "heat tape", "heat cable", or similar materials on exposed water pipes.
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Use PEX pipes
PEX pipes are cross-linked polyethylene tubing, a highly flexible type of plumbing tube used in many home water systems. They are a popular option due to their lower costs and malleability, which makes installations much easier.
PEX pipes perform better in freezing conditions than rigid pipes like copper, PVC, and CPVC. This is because PEX pipes can expand in high-pressure situations due to their chemical structure, which allows them to withstand freezing temperatures without losing their strength. However, PEX pipes are only freeze-resistant, not freeze-proof, and can still break under extremely cold temperatures.
To keep PEX pipes from freezing, you should insulate them with foam or another malleable insulation material, especially in areas where the pipes are directly exposed to the elements. Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and add extra insulation to particularly cold areas such as attics, garages, and basements.
Additionally, you can take other precautions to keep PEX pipes from freezing. For example, you can drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes, shut off the water to outside hoses, and install frost-free sillcocks. These measures will help prevent your PEX pipes from freezing and bursting during extreme cold weather.
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Relocate pipes
Plastic pipes are better insulators of heat energy and worse conductors of heat than traditional metal pipes. However, they are still susceptible to freezing and bursting in extreme conditions. To prevent this, pipes should be kept inside the home wherever possible, so that there is less chance of cold weather affecting them.
If you have exposed pipes, consider relocating them to provide increased protection from freezing. Exposed pipes can be wrapped in good insulation, such as old rags, towels, or newspaper, to prevent the water inside from freezing. However, if you are able to relocate them, this is preferable as pipes inside the home will benefit from the heating and insulation of the house itself.
Pipes should be kept away from walls that are poorly insulated, such as single-skin garage walls, as the risk of freezing is extremely high. Instead, keep them in areas with higher temperatures, such as inside the home or in heated rooms. If you are unable to relocate your pipes, consider adding insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, basements, and garages.
It is important to note that even if pipes are relocated or insulated, you should still take other precautions during cold weather. This includes keeping the room temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and letting a small drip of water run from faucets served by exposed pipes.
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Keep water moving
Keeping water moving is an effective way to prevent pipes from freezing. When water is static in a pipe, it can freeze and expand, causing a blockage or a burst pipe. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, can prevent this.
When the temperature drops, start a small drip in your faucets. Keep this drip going in the kitchen, bath, laundry areas, and any other faucets in the home. If you have exposed pipes, keep the faucet open to a small drip when the weather is very cold outside. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
If you are treating a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open as the frozen area begins to melt. Running water through the pipe will help melt the ice. Apply heat to the section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials). You can also wrap pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
If you are going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F. Alert a friend or trusted neighbour if you will be away for a few days and ask them to check that your pipes have not frozen.
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Apply heat
Applying heat is an effective way to prevent plastic tubing from freezing. Here are some ways to do this:
Electric Heating Pad
Wrap an electric heating pad around the pipe. This will provide direct and consistent heat to the pipe, preventing freezing. Make sure to follow safety instructions and not leave it unattended.
Electric Hair Dryer
Using a hairdryer is a quick and convenient way to apply heat to the pipes. Point the hairdryer at the pipe, ensuring a safe distance, and turn it on to blow warm air onto the pipe. Move the hairdryer back and forth along the pipe to distribute the heat evenly.
Portable Space Heater
A portable space heater can be used to increase the ambient temperature around the pipes. Place the heater in a safe, open area, away from any flammable materials, and turn it on to warm the surrounding air. Ensure the heater is not left unattended, and keep a safe distance from the pipes to avoid direct contact with the heating element.
Hot Water Towels
Soak some towels in hot water and wring out the excess. Wrap these towels around the pipes, ensuring good contact. The hot towels will transfer heat to the pipes, raising their temperature. Re-soak the towels as needed to maintain the warmth.
Heat Tape or Heat Cable
Consider using UL-listed "heat tape" or "heat cable," specifically designed to insulate and heat exposed water pipes. These products provide an efficient and controlled way to apply heat directly to the pipes, preventing freezing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper usage.
By applying heat to plastic tubing, you can effectively prevent freezing and the associated issues such as bursting or cracking. Remember to use these methods safely and follow any specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer or a licensed professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Insulate your pipes. Plastic pipes are better insulators of heat energy and worse conductors of heat than metal pipes, but they can still freeze and burst. You can buy pipe insulation or use old rags, towels, or newspaper.
Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Pipes inside the home are less likely to freeze. If the temperature drops, let the cold water drip from the faucet to keep water moving in the pipes.
Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials). You can also wrap pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
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