Frozen Pipes: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

When the winter winds start blowing, Jack Frost likes to nip at more than just your nose. Those intricate pipe and drainage systems running throughout your home or commercial property are just as much at risk of frostbite, and the consequences can be detrimental.

The cold weather is no friend of a plumbing system. The freezing temperatures can lead to countless plumbing issues, from shrinking seals and gaskets to malfunctioning water heaters. Arguably the most dangerous effect of the cold weather on your plumbing system is frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to flooding, electrical and fire hazards, and irreversible structural damage to your property. Hence, it is imperative that you take proper preventative measures to reduce the risk of frozen pipes in winter. If your pipes do freeze over, don’t worry; we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dealing with frozen pipes.

First, let’s understand the causes of frozen pipes and the risks they pose.

What Causes Frozen Pipes in Low Temperatures?

Pipes can freeze in winter due to a combination of low temperatures and poor insulation. When we say a pipe freezes over, we actually refer to the water inside the pipes that turns into ice.

Time for a little science lesson: What happens to water when it freezes? Though your intuition might say things contract when they freeze, the complete opposite is true for water. When completely frozen, water tends to expand. Now, what do you think happens when all that frozen water in those small pipes starts to expand? Since the sturdy pipes have little to no give, the water exerts significant pressure on the walls of the pipe. The pressure keeps building more and more until the pipes crack and eventually burst.

Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and building exteriors, are more vulnerable to freezing.

Factors That Contribute to Pipes Freezing Over

Here are some factors that can increase the risk of pipes freezing in winter:

Poor Insulation: Poor insulation in homes and around pipes can cause the water inside the pipe to freeze over.
Age: Pipes that are old or in poor condition are more likely to freeze due to cracks in the pipe’s material and gaps in the insulation.
Drafts: Pipes near poorly-sealed doors and windows are constantly exposed to cold air, increasing their risk of freezing over.
Water Flow: Pipes that aren’t in frequent use are more likely to freeze since the water inside them isn’t circulating enough.

What Are the Effects of Frozen Pipes in Winter?

Frozen pipes can lead to problems in your property’s plumbing systems and compromise your safety and well-being.

Here are some effects of frozen pipes in winter:

Burst Pipes: When water freezes inside a pipe, it can cause the pipe to burst. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage to a property, lead to power surges, and pose a serious risk to your safety and health.

Mold Growth: Broken pipes can lead to flooding, and the accumulated water is a breeding ground for mold. The growth of mold inside your home increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and flares up any allergies.

Water Contamination: When a pipe bursts, it may release contaminated water into the surrounding area, posing a serious health risk.

Decreased Water Flow: Frozen pipes can severely restrict the flow of water, leading to reduced water pressure or no water at all.

Damage to Appliances: Some pipes feed water to household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. If these pipes freeze, the appliance can malfunction, resulting in increased repair costs.

Property Damage: Frozen pipes can cause damage to walls, floors, and other parts of a property if they burst, leading to costly repairs.

What to Do When Your Pipe Bursts

As the previous section detailed, a frozen pipe is no joke. If a pipe bursts due to being frozen, you must take immediate action to minimize the damage and prevent further complications.

If a pipe bursts in your property’s plumbing system, here are some steps to take:

Shut off the main water supply.
Turn off the power if the burst pipe is located near electrical outlets or appliances.
Take precautionary steps, such as wearing protective clothing and gear.
Document the damage to help with insurance claims
Call a professional plumber.

Keep in mind that a burst pipe requires immediate professional attention. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, call us now and let our team of skilled plumbers make your home a safe place to live again!

Tips to Avoid Pipes Freezing in Winters

When it comes to pipes in plumbing systems, the best course of action is a preventative one. It’s better to minimize the risk of frozen pipes than deal with the damage and repair costs after they burst. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Properly insulate your pipes to prevent the water from freezing, especially those exposed to the elements.
Keep the temperature of your property above freezing, so the water doesn’t reach a freezing point.
Seal all drafts around doors and windows so that the pipes aren’t exposed to cold air.
Similarly, keep the garage door closed since the garage area usually has a lot of pipes.
In winter, it is okay to let the faucet drip a little as it keeps the water moving.
Fix any leaks in the pipes so the water isn’t exposed to low temperatures.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, so there isn’t any water left to freeze over.
Don’t use external heat, such as hair dryers, to warm up the pipes, as this will only damage the pipe further.

Call Us Now to Unfreeze Your Pipes

Frozen and burst pipes are common, even in Arlington’s mild winters. If your property has been affected by a frozen or burst pipe, you must seek immediate professional help.

Fortunately, at Professional Plumbing Specialists of Arlington, our team of skilled and experienced plumbers is no more than a call away. We can safely and effectively repair your frozen or burst pipes with competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Contact us today to take care of all your winter plumbing emergencies!