Maya Ellison
Plastic pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting during cold weather. This is because water expands as it freezes, increasing pressure and causing pipes to break. Pipes located outside or in colder parts of buildings are especially vulnerable, as are those that are not used often, as there is no regular water flow to prevent a frozen blockage. To prevent this, pipes should be insulated with materials such as foam rubber, mineral wool, or phenolic sleeves. Heat tape, heat cables, or UL-listed products designed for this purpose can also be used. Keeping garage doors closed if there are water supply lines inside and allowing warm air to circulate around pipes, such as by opening cabinet doors, can also help.
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What You'll Learn
Insulate pipes with lagging or heat tape
Insulating your pipes is an affordable and simple solution to freezing pipe problems. Insulation keeps the heat in the pipes and is commonly used to insulate central heating pipework, as well as pipes in loft spaces and other typically colder areas of the home.
To insulate your pipes, you can use a variety of materials, including foam rubber, mineral wool, or phenolic sleeves. You can also use old rags, towels, or newspaper to wrap around your pipes. Simply wrap your pipes with the material, then wrap that in a plastic bag, and secure it with a rubber band. This will help keep the pipes dry and warm, while the plastic bag and rubber band will keep the insulation material secure.
Another option is to use pipe lagging or heat tape. Pipe lagging is a specific product made to insulate water pipes, and heat tape can be installed to warm up your pipes during colder weather. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control.
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Keep the thermostat above 55° F
Keeping the thermostat above 55° F is a crucial step in preventing your pipes from freezing. This is especially important if you plan to be away from home during cold weather. While it may result in higher heating bills, it is a worthwhile investment to avoid the costly repairs that may result from frozen and burst pipes.
To maintain the temperature above 55° F, ensure that your heating system is functioning properly and that there are no issues with the thermostat settings. Consider adjusting the thermostat to a higher temperature during particularly cold periods. It is also important to pay attention to the placement of pipes in relation to the insulation in your home. Pipes located in unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, or against exterior walls with poor insulation, are more susceptible to freezing.
In addition to maintaining the thermostat setting, you can further protect your pipes by allowing warm air to circulate around them. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage, as open doors can expose pipes to freezing temperatures. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, especially those under sinks, to let warm air reach the pipes. Just be sure to move any harmful cleaners and chemicals out of the reach of children.
Another strategy to prevent pipes from freezing is to keep a slow faucet drip when temperatures drop. Running water through the pipes, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing. This method is particularly useful for exposed pipes. However, if you are on a water meter, be mindful of your usage to avoid higher water bills.
By implementing these measures and keeping your thermostat above 55° F, you can effectively reduce the risk of pipe freezing and the potential damage it can cause.
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Let taps drip during freezing weather
Leaving your taps dripping during freezing weather can be an effective way to prevent your pipes from freezing. This method works because flowing water is less likely to freeze, so letting your taps drip can stop ice blockages from forming. This, in turn, reduces the pressure in your pipes, making them less likely to crack or burst.
However, it's important to note that this method does not work for outdoor taps. Unlike indoor taps, a supply of water constantly flowing through outdoor taps is not recommended. This is because the water is more likely to freeze in the tap or drain, which can cause blockages and even burst pipes. Therefore, it is recommended to disconnect, drain, and store away any outdoor hoses during freezing weather.
If you do choose to leave your taps dripping, be sure to keep an eye on your water usage, as this can add extra costs to your water bill. Additionally, if you have children or pets, make sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals from under the sink, as leaving the cabinet doors open will allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
While letting your taps drip can be a useful short-term solution, insulating your pipes is the best long-term solution to prevent them from freezing. Pipe insulation, or lagging, is an affordable and simple way to keep your pipes warm and reduce the risk of freezing. You can purchase insulation materials online or from a home improvement store, or you can use old rags, towels, or newspaper to do the job.
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![2pcs Pipe Insulation Foam Tube 0.6" ID x 1" OD 3ft Heat Preservation Foam Pipes [for Copper Water Pipe Freeze Protection] - 15mmx25mm/Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81M67aXmZRL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![4pcs Pipe Insulation Foam Tube 2" ID x 2-3/4" OD 3ft Heat Preservation Foam Pipe [for Copper Water Pipe Freeze Protection] - 50mmx70mm/White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Y4tVmfg+L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Seal drafts to prevent cold air reaching pipes
Plastic pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for at least six consecutive hours. When pipes are not insulated well, unused, and have no heating source, the water inside will freeze. Pipes located outside or in colder parts of a building are more vulnerable to freezing.
To prevent pipes from freezing, seal any drafts that allow cold air to reach the pipes. Look for drafts around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. For example, keep the garage door closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Garages tend to be very cold due to the large amounts of concrete typically used in their construction.
Additionally, you can insulate your pipes using pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cables with a thermostat control. You can also wrap pipes in old rags, towels, or newspaper, and then cover them with a plastic bag secured with a rubber band. This will help keep the pipes warm and dry.
It is important to note that simply letting your taps drip or trickle during freezing temperatures is not an effective solution. While running water can help prevent pipes from freezing, it also increases the risk of water freezing in the tap or drain, which can cause blockages and lead to burst pipes and potential flooding.
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Drain pipes and disconnect hoses
Drain Pipes
External pipes, such as outdoor taps, are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Locate these pipes and their internal shut-off valves. By turning off the internal valve, you can stop the mains water supply to the external tap. Remember to drain the tap completely, so there is no water left in the pipe. This way, you eliminate the possibility of ice formation and the subsequent pressure build-up that could lead to burst pipes.
Disconnect Hoses
During winter, it is essential to disconnect your hose pipe from any outside taps or faucets. If left connected, water remaining in the hose can freeze and cause the hose to split. Additionally, the frozen water can force its way back into your pipes, resulting in leaks inside your home. To prevent this, disconnect the hose, drain out any remaining water, and store it away. For added protection, fit an insulating bag over the external tap after turning off the internal shut-off valve and draining the tap.
Insulation
Insulating your pipes is a simple and effective solution to prevent freezing. Wrap your pipes with insulation materials, such as pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even old towels or newspaper. This will help maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipe and reduce the risk of freezing. Pay particular attention to pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, and lofts, as these are more susceptible to freezing.
Maintain Water Flow
Contrary to popular belief, letting your taps drip or trickle during freezing temperatures is not recommended. While it may provide some relief from building pressure, it increases the risk of water freezing in the tap or drain, leading to potential blockages and burst pipes. Instead, focus on adequately insulating your pipes and maintaining a consistent thermostat temperature, even during the night, to prevent pipes from freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Insulating your pipes is a simple and affordable solution to preventing your plastic pipes from freezing. You can use materials such as foam rubber, mineral wool, or phenolic sleeves to insulate your pipes. Additionally, make sure to keep your pipes away from poorly insulated walls and seal any drafts that may let cold air in.
Some signs that your plastic pipes may be frozen include a lack of running water, frost on the surface of the pipes, or strange smells coming from your drains or faucets. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, this could also indicate a frozen pipe.
If your plastic pipes freeze, you should act quickly to thaw them and prevent potential damage. Turn on the faucet for the affected pipe to help the ice melt faster. You can also apply heat to the pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or by wrapping the pipe with heated towels.
To prevent your plastic pipes from freezing in the future, you can let your faucets drip slowly during freezing temperatures. Running water through the pipes can help prevent freezing and reduce the risk of bursting. You should also keep your pipes away from exterior walls and unheated areas, such as attics and crawl spaces, as these areas are more prone to freezing.
