January 31, 2003 News Releases
Released 1/30/03
ASK
A SPECIALIST: HOW DO I PREVENT MY PIPES FROM FREEZING?
Don't let the unseasonably warm weather catch you off guard.
Though you may need to bundle up one day, then wear only a jacket
the next, you still need to be prepared for the cold weather.
Your pipes are no different.
When unprotected waterlines are subjected to freezing temperatures
for several hours, the water also freezes. As water freezes,
it expands and can cause pipes to crack or split. Later, if
the waterline has pressure when it thaws, the homeowner will
have a water leak that can cause substantial damage.
To understand the damage that can be caused from a broken waterline,
imagine you have placed a plug in the kitchen sink drain, turned
the faucet on high, and as water begins to run to the floor,
you leave home for the day. This is similar to what will happen
if a frozen water pipe cracks, thaws and sprays water inside
your home while you are asleep or away. If the leak is inside
a wall, below the floor or above the ceiling, it can be extremely
difficult to get at, as well as expensive to repair. Consider
these tips to protect your pipes.
• Explore various insulation options. Waterlines located
in areas where temperatures commonly drop below freezing should
be protected. In many cases, unprotected pipes, fittings and
other plumbing equipment can be enclosed in pre-formed insulation
sleeves. These sleeves resemble tubes and are available in varying
diameters. Plumbing insulation is also available in formed shapes
that fit snugly around plumbing fixtures. The insulation slips
onto pipes and fixtures through slits that are cut the length
of the sleeve or shape. Another insulating option is strips
of foil-faced fiberglass. These are wrapped around pipes and
fixtures and secured in place with tape or wire.
• Cover pipes properly. For plumbing insulation to work
properly, it must completely cover the pipes, fittings and fixtures
that are exposed to cold temperatures. Insulation should fit
snugly around the plumbing, and all insulation joints must fit
tightly and be taped securely. Before installing insulation,
make sure there are no water leaks that will saturate and render
the insulation ineffective. Remember that insulation will not
protect pipes from prolonged freezing temperatures unless there
is some source of heat and/or periodic water flow.
• Prepare waterlines if you leave your home unattended
during the winter. It is best to turn off the water, shut down
the water heater and drain water from the plumbing system. If
it is possible, leave the furnace on and the thermostat set
near 50 degrees. This will protect your home and belongings
from harsh winter temperatures, and if a water pipe does break,
the damage will be minimal. If you are going away for only a
few days, have someone stay in the house if possible. This will
eliminate the shutdown and startup procedures.
• Be cautious when thawing frozen waterlines. If your
pipes freeze, a plumber may be your best contact. If you opt
to do it yourself, shut off the main supply line first. Then
open the faucet in the frozen line. If the waterline or faucet
is frozen, begin thawing at the faucet. Gradually raise the
temperature of the pipe so the ice will melt. When frozen plumbing
is heated gradually, the trapped water will not boil and rubber
or plastic faucet parts will not melt. Waterlines may be thawed
using a space heater, heat lamp, heat tape, hairdryer or towels
soaked in hot water wrapped around the pipes. Be cautious when
using electrical appliances in wet locations. To avoid burns,
do not use boiling water to thaw pipes. Also, do not use an
open flame to thaw frozen waterlines, due to the fire hazard.
If there is a chance a frozen water pipe will leak when it thaws,
open other faucets in the house to drain water from the plumbing
system. If a hot waterline or a main waterline serving the home
freezes, it is often necessary to turn the water heater off.
Keep buckets or other containers nearby to collect water when
thawing frozen pipes.
• Don't count on the running water technique. During
cold temperatures, homeowners sometimes turn a faucet on and
leave the water running to prevent the waterline from freezing.
Although this technique will work, it wastes water and should
only be done when other, more permanent solutions can't be used.
Also remember that hot waterlines will freeze and seldom is
hot water left running.
• Teach adults and older children where the main water
shutoff is located and how to shut the water off. Being able
to do this in the event of a water leak can greatly reduce the
damage to your home.
* To see other "Ask A Specialist" columns, visit
http//extension.usu.edu/publica/news/aska/
________
Direct column topics to Julene Reese, Utah State University
Extension, Logan, UT 84322-4900; 435-797-1392; julener@sunrem.com
Jan. 30, 2002
Answer by Richard Beard, Utah State University Extension
Agricultural Engineering Specialist
utah
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