At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze – And How Can You Avoid a Winter Plumbing Nightmare? Experts Weigh In
During cold snaps, it's crucial to know when pipes will freeze – here's what experts say, so that you can act quickly to prevent plumbing damages
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When a cold snap looms, the question rears its head: will your pipes freeze?
It's a disastrous thought, but a crucial consideration – since frozen pipes mean no functioning faucets, no hot showers, and the prospect of some costly repairs if your pipes end up cracking or splitting entirely.
At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?
Experts agree that pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below 32°F. (This is the freezing point of water, after all).
However, it's important to note that pipes aren't guaranteed to freeze at 32°F – but if temperatures plummet further, the issue becomes urgent. And if the temperature remains this low for hours at a time, it's critical.
'The danger zone for pipes freezing is 32°F, but real action happens at around 22°F,' confirms Robert Schwachenwald, Owner of Bizzy Bee Plumbing in North Carolina.
With this in mind, accurately monitoring temperatures is your secret weapon – so specialists say that it's worth investing in devices like leak detectors. (The Eufy Security water and freeze sensor is a reliable choice.)
'Consider installing smart leak detectors or temperature sensors in vulnerable areas,' advises Steven Morgan, Master Plumber, Certified HVAC Technician, and Head of Technical Training & Development at 24hr Supply. 'These devices can alert you to a drop in temperature before a pipe freezes, turning a potential catastrophe into a minor, preventable event.'
It's also handy to know the perfect temperature to run your heating in order to avoid frozen pipes – which is about 60°F during cold snaps.
How Long Will it Take For Pipes to Freeze Completely?
Naturally, there are plenty of factors affecting the exact length of time it will take your pipes to freeze, and every situation is different.
The duration of the cold spell is usually the biggest indicator, along with the location and condition of your pipes. If your pipes are in an exposed area, for example, or they happen to be poorly insulated, they're far more likely to freeze.
'It can take 6-12 hours for pipes to freeze during longer cold snaps,' says Robert. 'However, it's sometimes faster if there's no water movement.'
If you're feeling concerned, look out for the signs your pipes are frozen. It's easy to tell once your water stops running, but slow drainage, unpleasant odors and loud creaking sounds can all indicate a freeze.
Once you've established that a freeze is underway, you'll need to act quickly to avoid burst pipes. This means carefully thawing out your pipes by shutting off the water supply and gradually raising the temperature in your home to heat them up.
'Acting early is critical because frozen pipes are most dangerous when they thaw and burst,' says David de la Roca, Plumbing Specialist at Rhino Rooter, a plumbing service based in Belmont, Massachusetts.
'To prevent frozen pipes, I recommend insulating exposed piping, keeping cabinet doors open under sinks, and letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold,' he adds. 'If a pipe does freeze, it’s important not to use open flames to thaw it. Gentle heat like a space heater or warm towels, is much safer.'
What to Shop
This piece of kit will help to protect your home from leaks and water damage – which is crucial if you're facing the risk of frozen pipes. It's waterproof, easy to install, and it offers handy alerts via an app.
Boasting a useful remote monitoring system, this device will constantly measure the temperature and humidity in your home, notifying you instantly of any fluctuations or warning signs.
This smart thermostat also allows you to monitor temperatures remotely, and it even offers customizable routines that conserve energy. It provides daily energy reports, too.
Want to ensure your pipes are well-insulated? This durable foam tubing will help to prevent heat loss from your pipes, while shielding them from frost and snow.
If low temperatures and snowstorms are a common occurrence, it's worth investing in heated cables like these. They can be attached to your water pipes to gently warm them up.
A brilliant alternative to standard foam insulation, this adhesive foam tape is easy to apply and adjust. It's built to withstand harsh temperatures and lengthy storms.
Once you're clued up on these handy tips and you know exactly how to insulate pipes, your home will be far better equipped to weather even the harshest storms – and any costly plumbing disasters can be avoided.
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