PREVENT PIPES FROM FREEZING

As we head into the depths of winter, the sub-zero temperatures are sure to follow. Cold weather can cause sections of your home plumbing to burst, leaving you without running water and potentially a massive repair bill.

Plumbing Expert Sean Richardson, CEO of Complete Plumbing Solutions,has compiled his top tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.

“We all know that when water freezes, it expands greatly, and this pressure can then cause your pipe to burst,” notes Richardson. “A burst pipe can cost anywhere from $500 - $2000 to repair depending on the severity of the damage, so it’s advisable to take every precaution you can!”

Keep the Water Running. “The weather forecasts are good at forecasting when there’ll be a particularly harsh drop in temperatures, so if you’re expecting a freeze, turn your taps on and allow just a trickle to come through the pipes—not with all of the taps in the house, but just the ones that are supplied by exposed pipes. The constant movement of the water will go a long way to prevent freezing and relieves any potential pressure buildup that could burst a pipe.”

Insulate Your Pipes. “A length of pipe insulation can be as cheap as $2, so it really is a no-brainer, you could have all of your pipes insulated for less than $100. Focus on the most vulnerable sections of your plumbing, such as the exterior pipes and those located in the unheated areas of your home, like the attic. If there’s cold weather on the way, and you haven’t had your pipes insulated properly, you can DIY it too. Around 50-60 years ago, people used to wrap the pipes in old, bunched-up newspapers and just secured it with duct tape! It may sound funny but it does the job in a pinch.”

Keep the Heat On. “When the temperatures dip, we tend to blast the heat during the day and turn things down at night, but this isn’t helping your internal plumbing. Try to keep your heating at a more consistent temperature over the 24-hour period to help keep the pipes from freezing. Ideally, you should always be at least 54° Fahrenheit/12° Celsius.”

Keep Your Cabinets & Doors Open. “In most homes your plumbing in the kitchen or bathroom is tucked away behind a cabinet door of some sort. During a cold snap you should open up these doors to allow the warm air from inside the house to get around the pipes, keeping them free from blockages.”

Plug the Gaps. “Around this time of year in particular you should be checking around your doors and windows for any holes and large gaps that are letting all the warm in your home escape and letting cold air inside. Window sills in particular are a common leakage point, and if you have any cabling running externally to internally, examine where it enters the home for gaps. By sealing these gaps you’re helping your overall home insulation, which in turn benefits the plumbing.”

My Pipes Are Already Frozen but Haven’t Burst! What Can I Do? “First things first, shut off the water at the mains. This is usually located either under the sink, basement, or somewhere near your water meter. If you allow the water to continue to flow, you could be making the situation worse by allowing the pressure to build, which would cause a break.”

How do I know the pipes are actually frozen? “If the water is very slowly coming from a tap or stops completely, you’ve got a freeze. If the problem only exists with one tap, it’s a local issue rather than a system-wide problem.”

How do I Thaw a Pipe? “You can use a hair dryer to thaw the pipe slowly, applying heat up and down the affected length of pipe.

“Or, wrap a warm towel around the frozen pipe. This should free up the blockage and not shock the pipe too much. Put down a bucket or some other towels on the ground to catch the excess.”

MY PIPES HAVE BURST! NOW WHAT?

“Turn off the water main as soon as possible. Next step is to call a plumber and see how soon they can get out to see you. From there, try to get rid as much of the water as possible to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

“If you’ve got the right tools, you can make an emergency fix. You’ll need a clamp, a block of wood and some rubber. Place the rubber over the breakage in the pipe, cover it with a wood block and then use the clamp to keep everything together. This is a very temporary fix and won’t last long. Similarly, you can purchase some pipe repair sleeves, which can be slipped over the affected area to keep the water in the pipe. Again, these won’t last long, so call the professionals."

Editor's Note: Sean Richardson is a plumbing expert and CEO of Complete Plumbing Solutions. Visit the CPS website to learn more.