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If you live in a cold region, you know frozen pipes are possible unless you take the proper plumbing precautions. Why do pipes burst in the winter, and what can you do to prevent this issue? The following guide explains everything you need to know about the dangers of frozen pipes and how to keep yours from bursting with expert advice and assistance.
Don’t panic if a pipe should burst in your home or another plumbing disaster occurs. Whether it’s a routine visit or an emergency, Champion Plumbing offers 24-hour plumbing in OKC and will restore your system to perfection.
Top Causes of Burst Pipes
You could experience a pipe burst at any time. Many people encounter burst pipes during the winter because the water inside them freezes when temperatures drop. Other common causes of this plumbing emergency include:
- Pipe movement
- Water pressure changes
- Pipe corrosion
No matter which type of pipe your home uses, you must take the proper precautions to avoid major problems. Neglecting to do so could result in catastrophic damage to your home.
How Freezing Temperatures Impact Pipes
Why do pipes burst in the winter? The science behind frozen pipes is more extensive than you might think. Let’s look at it in a nutshell.
Cold temperatures can freeze the water supply inside the pipes and place excess pressure on the pipe thanks to ice expansion. While this may cause small cracks within the pipe, the bulk of the problem is due to changes in air pressure. The ice within the pipe restricts the flow and causes a buildup of air pressure in one spot, causing the pipe to burst.
This issue can significantly damage your home and plumbing system. Learn how plumbers repair the damage so your pipes remain strong, giving you peace of mind.
Repairing a Frozen Pipe
Most people think the solution to frozen pipes is to increase the indoor temperature so the ice melts and the pipes contract after expansion. However, this can worsen the situation. Temperature fluctuations will melt the ice and raise the pipe’s air pressure, causing the material to burst.
Calling a professional plumber is the best thing you can do if you have frozen pipes. Trained experts know how to safely thaw pipes without raising the air pressure. They alleviate the pressure by opening the tap and letting excess water and air pressure flow out of the pipe.
Plumbers thaw the pipe so the water supply can flow freely without blockages. During their inspection, they may give you a few tips you can follow to ensure optimum pipe performance. These include insulating your pipes or even replacing the system if there are other signs of damage.
For example, a plumber can thaw your pipes to prevent them from bursting due to cold temperatures and ice expansion. However, visible pipe corrosion doesn’t mean you’re no longer at risk for a pipe burst. Experts recommend scheduling regular maintenance and replacing your piping system when it reaches the end of its lifespan or has significant wear and tear.
How To Avoid Frozen Pipes
Now that you know the answer to “Why do pipes burst in the winter?” you’re probably wondering how to prevent this plumbing disaster. You can take a few important steps each year to winterize your pipes and keep them from freezing. Doing so will help you avoid significant water damage and costly plumbing repairs.
Maintain a Warm Indoor Temperature
When the temperatures drop outside, you want to keep them at a steady, comfortable level inside. Experts recommend setting your home’s thermostat to at least 55 degrees. If the house gets too cold, the pipes stand a better chance of freezing.
If you will be away for any extended period, keep your heat on to avoid damage to the pipes. You can also keep the pipes warm by opening cabinet doors to expose them. Pipes hidden inside cabinets below the sink won’t thaw as easily, but opening the doors lets the heat circulate.
Insulate Your Pipes
Ask any plumber, “Why do pipes burst in the winter?” and they’ll tell you that insulation deficiency is a big part of why pipes freeze. Thankfully, there’s a quick and easy solution to this problem. Just like your home has insulating material within the walls or attic to retain heat, your pipes can also benefit from insulation.
Place a protective foam material over the pipes to retain a warm temperature all winter. A plumbing professional can help you insulate your pipes, or you can find the material at a hardware store and slip it over the pipes yourself.
Drain Water From Outdoor Sources
Why do pipes burst in the winter even if you keep your house warm? It’s not just your indoor plumbing that you have to worry about. Failing to drain the water from your outdoor plumbing sources can create major problems inside your house.
Before winter weather sets in, remove outdoor hoses from their bibs and drain them of all remaining water. It’s possible for the frozen water and air pressure inside the hoses to move into the bibs and your pipes. Add this task to your fall home maintenance checklist to avoid a plumbing disaster in the winter.
Protect Your Pipes With Help From Champion Plumbing
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Why do pipes burst in the winter?” Use the tips we’ve detailed above to protect your plumbing system from damage and survive the winter without a burst pipe. If you experience issues with your pipes or other plumbing fixtures, turn to the team at Champion Plumbing for top-notch repair and maintenance services.
We can inspect and repair faulty pipes and their components, such as the backwater valve. Give us a call whenever you need peace of mind after any plumbing mishap. Book a service online or by calling (405) 342-3571.
