What happens if pipes freeze

The first thing to think about when answering this question is, what is the exact temperature outside and how long will is it predicted to stay that temperature or lower?

As a general rule of thumb, in order for your home's water pipes to freeze, the outside temperature needs to be below 20 degrees, for a total of at least six consecutive hours. How long it will take for your pipes to freeze and burst also depends on your home's insulation, and how deep inside your home your water pipes are located. For example, if you live in a geographical location that usually does not suffer from cold winters, chances are that your water pipes do not have that much insulation to protect them from extreme temperatures.

In such cases, the time that it may take for your pipes to freeze and burst may in fact be lower. Extreme temperatures and the high demand of water can make pipes vulnerable and more susceptible to bursts. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems like this by reinforcing your pipes.

There are no practical ways of heating the ground temperature around your home, so stopping the contraction caused by the cold water is not something you can control. Our advice is to be mindful of your plumbing system as the temperatures change and check to see if you have any leaks.

While we can't stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here is a list of eight things that you can do to avoid water pipe bursts:. If it is extremely cold outside, always keep one or two faucets running slowly. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing. Often, the pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or a window, so be sure to direct warm air to any colder areas of your home.

Start in your basement and look for any pipes near the exterior of the home. If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall as it usually is , be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet.

Your kitchen faucet is usually to leave on during extremely cold weather. Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet. If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device. There is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather.

While you could do this yourself, you may want to consult with an Indianapolis plumber to learn some best practices. Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. The tenant said a pipe on the third floor broke, causing a virtual waterfall all the way to be basement.

Because of the frigid temperatures, the water quickly froze, with huge icicles protruding from the windows, making the structure look like it was something trapped in the Ice Age.

Pipes freezing and breaking during the winter is a fairly common occurrence. We just don't hear about all of them because they usually aren't so over-the-top. But anytime water is cascading unimpeded through your home, it's a very real and personal disaster. Most of the time your water pipes are safe from freezing. But if they run through any part of the house that isn't heated, or if the heating system fails, the water inside can turn to ice.

When water in a pipe freezes, it expands and puts tremendous pressure on both metal and plastic pipes. If the pipe breaks, it can easily release a torrent of water into the building. Obeying the law of gravity, the water will gradually work its way to the lowest part of the building, usually a basement or crawlspace. Water from a broken pipe can not only ruin furniture and other belongings but building materials. In severe cases it can cause structural damage and allow for the growth of mold.

Mold, in fact, can be an unpleasant leave-behind , cropping up long after the mess has been cleaned up. The cleanup required after a broken water pipe can even expose occupants to asbestos and lead-based paints if it happens in an older building.

So for many reasons home owners want to avoid frozen pipes in the winter. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:. Prepare for Winter Storms. Protect Your Pets During a Storm. Safe Generator Use. Get Help. How To Prepare For Emergencies. Types Of Emergencies. Winter Storm Preparedness. Frozen Pipes Frozen Pipes.

Learn how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. How to Protect Pipes From Freezing Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations: Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions.