When to worry about your pipes freezing A cold snap can lead to major headaches when it comes to your plumbing. So when should homeowners be alert to the danger of freezing pipes? Everything weve learned in school says water starts freezing at 32°, but researchers say that may not be the case with pipes. Researchers at the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois say it depends on several factors, but in southern states where extended cold snaps are the exception rather than the rule, the temperature threshold is near 20 degrees. Field tests of residential water systems subjected to winter temperatures demonstrated that, for un-insulated pipes installed in unprotected spaces, the onset of freezing occurred when the outside temperature fell to 20 degrees or below. Other factors can cause the pipes to freeze at temperatures above 20°. These include pipes exposed to windy, cold air which flows in due to a crack in an outside wall or lack of insulation. Also, pipes under mobile homes or RVs which have pipes exposed to cold winds can freeze faster due to the exposure. Researchers suggest the 20 degree temperature should address the majority of potential burst-pipe incidents in southern states. WHY PIPES FREEZE What you may not realize is that ice forming in a pipe does not typically cause a break right where the ice blockage occurs. It’s not always the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe that causes the break. Continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase downstream -- between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end, and the pipes burst. The American Red Cross suggests doing the following before the onset of cold weather: Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturers or installers directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a pipe sleeve or installing UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing. ift.tt/17h8ElN
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:16:15 +0000
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