Well, its happened, summer has left us, the leaves have changed and fallen from their branches, and I sit here in the Colorado Rockies watching the snow fly. I’ve done everything I can to resist the coming winter, wearing sandals to work even when I must scrape the frost from my windshield, but I suppose its time to give in.
The falling snow tells all—winter is upon us and I need to trade my sandals in for snow boots.
As the mercury drops, we need to prepare our homes for the inevitable—freezing temps. Frozen water pipes are a primary fear for homeowners in the winter, and for good reason—according to State Farm Insurance, pipes freeze in around 50 million homes every winter.
Frozen pipes can lead to water damage, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 and up, according to Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). So before frozen pipes soak your home (and your wallet), take preventative steps now for a warm and joyful winter.
Disconnect Your Garden Hoses Now
Faucets that service the outside and are hooked up to garden hoses are particular problems in the winter.
Outside faucets are fitted with a freeze-proof tube that sits within the wall of your house and has a valve shut off at the end of it—well inside your home. Freeze-proof faucets work if installed properly (with a slight downward tilt to allow water to drain out) and when there is not a hose attached that is equipped with a sprayer, which holds water within the hose.
When a hose fitted with a sprayer is left attached to an outside faucet, this will hold water within the hose, which will freeze—thus freezing inside of the freeze-proof tube within the wall of your home. This has the potential to cause the freeze-proof pipe within the wall to burst immediately, however water will not gush from the burst pipe until the faucet is turned on when you begin watering in the spring.
If you turn on your hose in the spring and there is low water pressure, this can signify a burst pipe. Immediately turn off the faucet connected to the house and check inside your home for water damage.
Keep Water Pipes Warm
Colorado homes are typically built so plumbing is protected from cold. However, drafty areas are still common, so steps should be taken to ensure pipes are insulated from cold.
Pipes to pay close attention to are those built into outside walls and pipes located in areas that commonly get chilly, like basements, attics or crawlspaces.
If you have access to pipes that are exposed to colder areas, fit them with pipe insulation or wrapping, which can be found at your local hardware store for little cost. This prevents heat transfer from the water in the pipe to the cold air surrounding it and the more insulation, the better protected your pipes are from heat loss.
Cracks in foundation or outside walls near plumbing should be sealed with caulk to prevent cold air from entering your home. Even a pinhole of missing caulk can allow enough freezing air near the pipe to cause a freeze.
Cold air can also accumulate in the area beneath sinks and in cabinets. When these areas become significantly colder than normal, leave cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate through. Electrical heating cables are also available at home supply stores for pipes that are dangerously exposed to cold.
Certain cables have a thermostat that will turn on heat when needed, while others simply heat up when they’re plugged in.
Alleviate Pressure
When weather is extremely cold and you know you have pipes that are exposed to the cold, you can alleviate the pressure of freezing pipes by allowing a faucet to drip. Doing so will not prevent the pipe from freezing, but instead helps alleviate the pressure on the pipe when water does freeze inside it.
Leaving the water on a slow drip will waste some water, so only do so on pipes you know are exposed to extreme cold. On faucets that have both hot and cold lines, allow both to run. If water stops dripping, there is likely a frozen pipe, keep the water lines open as the pipe will still need pressure relief.
Going on Vacation
Many families seek warmer weather during the winter, but while you’re enjoying the heat, you need to be sure your home is protected from the cold you left behind.
Lowering the heat in your home is a common way to save some money while you’re out, however doing so can expose pipes that would otherwise be safe to cold spells.
One of the best ways to prevent freezing while you’re out (or an extreme cold spell is expected) is to clear the pipes of water. Obviously if there’s no water in the pipes, they cannot freeze.
To clear pipes, shut off your main water valve and then turn on all water fixtures (both hot and cold) until water stops coming out and close the valves when finished. Doing this will ensure you can enjoy your time away from home and not come back to a major water damage issue.
Suspect a Frozen Pipe?
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, this is a primary sign of a frozen pipe. Call a plumber immediately and turn off the main water line to your home, which is typically located near the meter or where the main water line enters your home.
Do not attempt to thaw a pipe with an open flame. You can attempt to thaw a frozen pipe with an electric hair dryer, and you should do so with the faucet open. Never use electrical appliances while in water as this could cause electrocution.
According to State Farm, a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can dump up to 250 gallons of water per day, so don’t risk a burst pipe! Water damage can wreak all sorts of havoc on your home and put a serious dent in your wallet. So keep your hard earned money and take the necessary steps to keep your pipes from freezing.
Preparation is the key to a warm and happy winter, so stay up to date with Custom Integrated Designs for all your essential home and basement information. If you’re looking for basement remodeling in Parker or elsewhere in the Denver Metro Area, contact us today at (303) 591-7100—and of course happy Fall, from our family to yours.
About the Author
Hello there, my name is Cayla Vidmar, I’m a freelance blog writer planted in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Western State Colorado University. Prior to attending college, I had lofty goals of moving to Alaska and being a writer. I envisioned tapping away at my computer keys, putting to paper the next best-selling novel. Although that dream never came to fruition, I have found a career path on which I can write, research and When I’m not working, you can find me outside enjoying all the adventures my mountain valley has to offer—hiking through aspen groves, hanging out by high alpine lakes or enjoying a mountain-side Bloody Mary after snowboarding. I’m an avid thrill seeker with a seemingly unquenchable wanderlust. The goal of my mission is to see it all and do it all and get some writing in during the adventure. Thanks for stopping by!