Avoiding Winter Plumbing Disasters: Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes

When water freezes, it expands, meaning that frozen pipes can become dangerous very quickly. In the event a plumbing system freezes, the pipes are forced to contain a solid larger than the circumference of the material itself. The build-up of pressure results in the pipes bursting, allowing water to run freely within the home.

Considering the speed at which water typically flows within a home plumbing system, the damage can spread quickly throughout every level. These types of repairs are often very time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive restoration as soon as possible. The longer that water damage is left untreated, the worse it becomes, leading to mould or mildew growth.

Signs to look for if you suspect the pipes have frozen are as follows:

●      No water: A complete lack of water coming from your pipes could be an indicator that the supply has frozen solid.

●      Smells coming from the drain: Frozen ice inside your pipes will block any particles from food, grease, or waste that you drain, causing the space to smell foul.

●      Visible frost: Exposed pipes may show signs of frost build-up on the exterior, indicating that the water inside has frozen.

●      Water damage: A burst pipe can allow a large amount of water to pour into your home, causing flooding and/or structural damage.

Choosing the Right Insulation Materials 

Selecting the right pipe insulation for your home depends significantly on the thickness of your walls. A good rule of thumb is to choose insulation that is thick enough to protect the pipes without struggling to fit around them.

Typically, pipe insulation with a greater wall thickness has better thermal properties than those with a thinner wall. While installing the insulation around your pipes, you want to make sure that any gaps between the sections are closed in order to maintain optimal performance.

Generally, the bigger the pipe is, the thicker the insulation needs to be. This is because the larger surface area requires more protection against heat loss. However, if you are looking to prevent frost build-up, then the opposite becomes true. A smaller pipe is more likely to freeze faster than a larger one; therefore, it requires thicker installation to maintain heat retention.

Sealing and Waterproofing Your Home

1.   Install foam outlet and switch sealers on exterior walls

Switches and outlets on the exterior walls of your house are notorious for allowing air to leak through them. An easy preventative measure to stop this is installing foam outlets and switch sealers that rest between the outlet or switch and its cover plate. The foam gasket seals the gaps around the device, stopping air from leaking through and helping retain warm air within the space.

2.   Install a door sweep at the entry door

To prevent cool air from seeping through the entry door into your home, consider installing a door sweep on the bottom inside portion. Depending on the type of door sweep you choose, it may need to be screwed in place or applied using adhesive tape.

3.   Install weather stripping around the windows and entry door

Replacing old or cracked caulking around your windows helps ensure that warm air is properly retained within your home. Another option is to apply a layer of transparent sealant tape to cover any holes or cracks, while still maintaining the existing layer of caulking. Self-adhesive strips of foam weather-stripping can also be used to cover any noticeable gaps around the entry door.

Maintaining a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Clean the Air Ducts 

Leaks inside your air ducts mean that cool air will not travel consistently throughout the home. This results in uneven cooling, making some areas vary in temperature compared to others.

In addition, dirty ducts have the potential to decrease efficiency and prevent strong airflow within the entire system. Both leaking and dirty air ducts can raise your energy bills drastically over time.

Turn on the AC Fan

Although it may seem counterintuitive, keeping your HVAC fan on is beneficial to proper air flow within a home. The HVAC fan allows cool air to consistently and evenly circulate throughout the space, even after the air conditioner has completed a full cycle. This process helps maintain consistent temperatures in every room.

Adjust the Air Vents

Redirecting your air vents—or partially closing others—can be an easy fix for uneven cooling. Also, ensure that the vents aren’t unintentionally blocked by furniture or other household products. If you experience any trouble, then it’s recommended to have a professional check to see if the vents and/or filters are clogged with debris.

Preparing Your Plumbing Before Winter

1.   Winterizing outdoor faucets

Winterizing your outdoor faucets is a crucial step in preventing serious damage to your plumbing system. Any water remaining in your outdoor faucets runs the risk of freezing during the winter. If this happens, then it could result in the build-up of pressure, causing a pipe to burst.

2.   Insulate your pipes 

Any exposed pipes (such as in the garage, crawl space, or attic) should be wrapped in insulation foam, heat tape, or newspaper. Not only will this help prevent freezing, but it also minimizes the risk of wasting hot water, resulting in the added benefit of cost savings.

As well, drain cleaning in Toronto can help ensure your pipes are prepared for the winter, removing any built-up debris or grease that could prevent effective heat retention.

3.   Locate your water main

Prior to the winter season, it’s important to review where the main water source is and how to effectively shut it off. In the event that your pipes freeze, knowing exactly where the water main is located will be crucial for preventing extensive water damage throughout the house.

Emergency Measures and Thawing Techniques

Heat Gun

A heat gun is a tool that emits heat at up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this is an effective solution for melting ice or frost build-up, it also runs the risk of causing fire damage if not used and/or stored properly. Before purchasing a heat gun, it is important to learn about the necessary safety precautions.

Warm Rags

Rubbing a frozen pipe with warm water-soaked rags can help to gradually melt the ice inside. Once the rag begins to cool down, continue the rubbing process with another hot one, ensuring you do not lose momentum. This can sometimes take a while to work; however, it will eventually get the water flowing again.

Hair Dryer

The heat from a hair dryer is often strong enough to slowly thaw a pipe once it has frozen, either fully or partially. With frozen pipes, time is valuable, so the sooner you begin defrosting, the better.

Be Prepared for Winter

Prevention is the number one solution for preparing your home and plumbing system for the winter. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin implementing the necessary steps for home winterization. If you are unsure where to start, contact a professional who can help point you in the right direction.