How Freezing Weather Affects Your Plumbing And How A Plumber Can Help

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How Freezing Weather Affects Your Plumbing And How A Plumber Can Help

27 December 2022
 Categories: , Blog


Winter is hard on your plumbing, especially when temperatures drop lower than usual. Pipes are buried to a depth where they won't freeze according to your climate. If your pipes aren't very deep because it rarely gets old in your area, and you have a frigid cold spell, your pipes could be in trouble. 

Exposed pipes in any climate can be in danger when the temperature drops below freezing unless the pipes are insulated. Here are some consequences of harsh weather on plumbing pipes and repairs that could be needed if your pipes freeze. 

Water In The Pipes Freezes

The pipes inside exterior walls, attic, crawl space, basement, or garage have the highest risk of freezing since they are closer to unconditioned air. If there's a place in your home that isn't heated, the pipes should be wrapped in insulation so they survive cold winters.

The problem with freezing water in plumbing pipes is that the ice expands when it freezes. This puts pressure on the pipe and may cause it to crack. If you turn a faucet on and no water comes out, that could indicate one or more of your pipes are frozen. It's a good idea to call a plumber and let them know so they can thaw the pipe out before the pressure causes the pipe to burst.

A Plumbing Pipe Cracks And Leaks

As the pipe thaws, the plumber can watch for leaking that comes from cracks you may have overlooked. If a frozen pipe has a leak, the leak needs to be repaired or your home could sustain water damage. The first step is to thaw and clear the drain so the plumber can patch or replace the pipe. The exact repair method depends on the material the pipe is made from.

If your home has old plumbing pipes that are weak and corroded, you might have to deal with multiple leaks due to the frozen water. Your plumber might even recommend replacing the pipes if they're in bad condition. That's why it's important to know the condition of your plumbing so you can have repairs done at your convenience rather than having to deal with replacing pipes during an emergency.

Your Plumbing Needs Protection

If the temperatures drop much lower than normal, you may want a plumber to check your pipes before the weather changes so you can prevent problems. If you don't protect your pipes before a hard freeze, the plumber may recommend steps to take after your frozen pipes have been repaired.

Steps include putting foam insulation around exposed pipes, letting faucets drip when the weather is below freezing, opening sink cabinets to let warm air get to the pipes, and leaving your heat on when you're gone from home.

Contact a plumbing contractor to learn more.