As the winter months approach in Lincolnshire, IL, homeowners have a common concern—frozen pipes. When temperatures drop, the risk of your water supply lines freezing and potentially bursting increases significantly, leading to costly repairs and water damage.
But when exactly do pipes start freezing, and what can you do to prevent this from happening in your home? In this blog, Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric explains the conditions that lead to frozen water pipes, signs to watch for, and preventive measures you can take to keep your home safe.
At What Temperature Do Pipes Start Freezing?
Most people know that freezing occurs at 32°F, but the temperature at which pipes begin to freeze depends on a few different factors. Generally, uninsulated pipes inside a properly heated home start freezing when outdoor temperatures drop to around 20°F. This is because water within the pipes needs time to freeze, and colder weather speeds up the process.
However, if your pipes are in areas with poor insulation or exposure to drafts, such as basements, crawl spaces, or exterior walls, they can freeze at slightly warmer temperatures. Homes in Lincolnshire often have pipes running through these areas, making them vulnerable to freezing once temperatures fall below freezing for extended periods. Outdoor connections for swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler supply lines, and outdoor faucets are also vulnerable due to their exposed location.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Water has a unique property—it expands when it freezes. As water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe. This pressure can become so intense that it causes the pipe to crack or burst, even in the strongest of materials. When pipe freezes occur, they can cause major damage to your plumbing system and home.
In Lincolnshire, freezing conditions combined with wind chill can cause the outdoor air temperature to rapidly drop, accelerating the risk of pipes freezing. Cold air finds its way into your home through tiny cracks, gaps, or poorly insulated areas, putting your plumbing at risk.
Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing
While frozen pipes can sometimes take you by surprise, there are a few warning signs that can help you catch the problem before it escalates:
- Reduced Water Flow: If you notice a sudden decrease in water pressure or flow from your faucets or it’s down to only a trickle, this is a sign that the water in your pipes is beginning to freeze.
- Frost on Pipes: Visible frost or ice on exposed pipes is a telltale sign that freezing has begun. Keep an eye on pipes in unheated areas such as your basement, attic, or garage.
- Strange Noises: Gurgling or banging sounds when you turn on your faucets could indicate that a blockage is forming inside the water pipes due to freezing water.
- No Water at All: If your water stops flowing completely, it’s possible the pipe has already frozen solid, which requires immediate attention.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, act quickly to minimize damage. Here’s what you can do to thaw frozen pipes.
Know Where the Water Shut Off Valve is Located
First, make sure you know where the main water supply shutoff valve is located (usually on the pipe that connects to the water meter) because you may need to turn off the water in a hurry. Also, you need to make sure that the water shutoff valve is working properly. Turn off the valve and run water in other parts of the house to see if the shutoff valve is holding or not. If it is, turn the water back on. If it is not, call your plumber.
Open A Faucet
Make sure the faucet that is frozen is on. If water is running through the faucet, it may melt the ice and unthaw the pipe. If the line is completely frozen, you need to have the faucet open to allow for expansion as the ice melts.
Thaw the Pipes
You can try to thaw the pipe using a hair dryer, towels soaked in hot water, or an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe. Start at the section nearest the faucet and work your way down to the frozen area.
Using an electric space heater to generate warmer air in the area around the pipe can be helpful, just be sure to set it a few feet away from the pipe to prevent damage. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this can cause serious damage or fire hazards.
Check for Leaks
After thawing frozen pipes, carefully check the pipes for any cracks or leaks. If you see water leaking, turn off the water to the house right away and call a professional plumber to make repairs.
Call a Professional
If you’re unable to locate or access the frozen pipe, or if the pipe has already burst, it’s best to contact a plumbing expert. Ravinia Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services and can quickly handle the situation before it worsens, thawing your pipes or making necessary pipe repairs and replacements.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Preventing your pipes from freezing is much easier—and less expensive—than dealing with the damage caused by a burst pipe. Here are some steps you can take to protect your plumbing and prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate Water Pipes: Insulating pipes, especially those in unheated or drafty areas, can help retain heat and prevent freezing. You can use foam insulation, pipe sleeves, or heat tape to cover vulnerable sections.
- Seal Drafts and Leaks: Cold air can sneak into your home through cracks, gaps, or holes in your walls, windows, and doors. Seal these areas with caulking or weather stripping to keep the cold air out.
- Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent: During freezing temperatures, it’s important to keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re leaving the house for an extended period. This will help prevent your home’s temperature from dipping too low.
- Let Faucets Drip: Allowing your faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather can prevent pressure from building up inside the pipes, reducing the chances of them bursting.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Where plumbing is located under sinks, leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: If you haven’t done so already, be sure to disconnect outdoor hoses from faucets and shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots. Water left in the hose can freeze, expand, and create pressure that leads to a burst.
Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience—they can cause serious and costly damage to your home. If you’re dealing with frozen pipes or want to take preventive measures, it’s always a good idea to consult with the professionals at Ravinia Plumbing. With decades of experience serving the Lincolnshire area, we can help you protect your home from winter’s worst effects and keep your plumbing running smoothly all year long.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing in Lincolnshire, IL
Once cold weather temperatures drop below 20°F, unprotected and exposed pipes are at risk of freezing, leading to burst pipes and expensive repairs. By taking steps to insulate your pipes, seal drafts, and keep your home warm, you can protect your plumbing and avoid the headaches of dealing with a frozen pipe.
If you have concerns or need assistance with your pipes this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Ravinia Plumbing for plumbing services in Lincolnshire, IL. Our expert team is ready to help keep your home safe, warm, and free from the dangers of frozen pipes.
