During the cold winter months in Colorado frozen pipes are not uncommon. Frozen pipes can be more than an inconvenience, they can flood your home and cause a major catastrophe. According to the the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, a frozen pipe that bursts can result in more than $5,000 worth of water damage. The longer a leak goes undetected, the greater the potential destruction.
Pipes are most susceptible to bursting when frozen water causes a pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed plumbing fixture. If you have ever seen a can of soda freeze and burst, you know how much pressure expanding ice can create inside an enclosed space.
Thankfully, there are ways you can minimize the risk to your home by following a few preventative measures.
Before the Cold Weather Arrives
- Insulate Pipes – Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing during extreme cold events. Pipe insulation can help keep the water temperature inside the pipe above freezing.
- Seal Leaks – Inspect your home’s foundation and seal any cracks that could allow heat to escape from exterior walls.
- Disconnect hoses – Drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets when possible. This will reduce the chance of freezing a pipe inside the house.
- Keep Your Heating System Maintained – An annual heating system inspection and tune-up will reduce the chance that your furnace or boiler will malfunction when you need it the most.
- Know Where the Water Main Shut-off is Located – Ensure that everyone in your household knows where the water shut-off valve is located and how to open and close it.
- Invest in a Water Alarm with an Automatic Shut-Off System – If you’re frequently away from home during the winter months, a water alarm can prevent damage from water leaks. Devices like the WaterCop® water alarm will not only alert you to a sudden drop in water pressure, they will automatically turn off the main water supply, minimizing potential damage.
When the Cold Arrives
- Increase Air Circulation – Open cabinet doors under sinks that are located near exterior walls. This will allow warm indoor air to circulate more effectively. Installing pass-though vents near the baseboard under sinks can also help with airflow.
- Set the Thermostat No Lower Than 55 Degrees.
- Open Faucets – If frozen pipes have been a problem in the past, or extreme cold is imminent, open faucets to allow a small trickle of water to flow. This will reduce the potential for pressure to build up should the pipes begin to freeze.
- Be alert – If you have a smart thermostat, use the app to set it up alerts that notify you when the temperature drops below a minimum temperature, which could indicate that your heating system is malfunctioning.
If Your Pipes Freeze
- If you turn on a faucet and water doesn’t flow, leave it open and call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating. We will locate the obstruction and safely thaw the pipe.
- If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, you need to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve.
- Never Attempt Thaw a Pipe With an Open Flame. Skip the candles and propane torch and use the warm air from a hair dryer or heat gun instead.
Have frozen pipes or other plumbing problems? Call Grand Lake Plumbing anytime.
