Water pipes freezing and bursting is a common issue during the winter months. In fact, the problem can become so common in some parts of the country that entire neighborhoods can be left without water service.
While frozen water pipes are sometimes unavoidable, some steps can be taken to help prevent them from happening in the first place. Today, we’ll examine some common causes of a frozen water pipe and how to prevent it from happening to you.
Winter weather often causes water pipes to freeze
The most common cause of frozen pipes is extreme winter weather. Water pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below freezing. This can happen at any time during the colder months of the year.
There are a few things you can do to protect your pipes from the cold weather. One is to make sure your home is properly winterized. You can do this by insulating your pipes, closing off unused spaces in your home, and keeping your home warm.
Improper or lack of insulation can cause frozen water pipes
One of the main causes of frozen pipes is that homes are not properly insulated. When your home is not well insulated, the cold air can seep in and cause your pipes to freeze. This is why it is important to ensure your home is properly insulated, especially in the areas around your pipes.
You can do a few things to make sure your home is properly insulated. One of the best ways is to add insulation to your attic. You can also add insulation to your walls and windows. If you have a crawlspace, you can add insulation to the floor. You should also make sure that your pipes are properly insulated. You can do this by using insulation sleeves or insulation tape. You can also use heat tape to keep your pipes warm.
Old or defective pipes are more likely to freeze
Another common cause of frozen pipes is when they’re old or defective. Old or defective pipes can often freeze because of how the water circulates through them. If there is a crack or hole in the pipe, the water will freeze in that spot and block water flow. This can cause the pipe to burst, resulting in a flood in your home.
It is important to inspect your pipes regularly and fix any cracks or holes. If you have old or defective pipes, it might be time to replace them altogether.
A defective water heater can lead to frozen pipes
A defective water heater frequently causes frozen pipes. If you have a water heater that is not working properly, it can cause your pipes to freeze because the water heater is not producing enough heat to keep your pipes warm.
If you have a water heater that’s not working properly, you should have it fixed as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about the condition of your water heater, have it inspected by a professional.
Closed crawl space vents can make your water pipes freeze
Another common cause of frozen pipes is closed-off vents in crawl spaces. If the vents are closed, the warm air that escapes from the house will be trapped in the crawl space, and the pipes will be much more likely to freeze. Make sure you keep the vents open so the warm air can escape and help keep the pipes from freezing.
Take action and keep your pipes from freezing
As you can see, many factors can lead to frozen water pipes. Remember to take action and follow our prevention tips to keep your pipes warm and functioning properly. If you do experience frozen or burst water pipes, shut off the water supply and call a professional as soon as possible.
Read More:
How a sewer video inspection runs and why it’s a good idea
