Preventing Frozen Pipes: Tips for Homeowners & What To Do if Your Pipes Freeze

One of the biggest concerns homeowners face during winter is the risk of frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they can burst, which can lead to significant damage to your home, such as flooding and costly repairs. Fortunately, you can avoid this winter disaster with some preparation and awareness.

In this blog post, the plumbing experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling discuss everything you need to know about frozen pipes, how to prevent your pipes from freezing, and what to do if you notice this problem in your Knoxville or East Tennessee home.

How Cold Does It Need To Be for Pipes To Freeze?

Most homeowners wonder how cold it has to get before the threat of frozen pipes becomes a distinct possibility.

The answer? Water or sewer pipes begin to freeze when the outdoor temperature sinks to 20º F or lower; however, certain pipes — especially those exposed to colder conditions — may freeze at slightly higher temperatures if they aren’t properly insulated, are in vulnerable unheated areas, or have prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.

In Knoxville, TN, the average winter low is approximately 31º to 29º F, so the threat of freezing pipes isn’t particularly high; however, even a briefly intense cold spell can cause trouble if your pipes are vulnerable. It’s important to take preventative steps before a big freeze hits.

Additional Risk Factors for Freezing Pipes

Besides cold temperatures, other factors can increase the likelihood of your pipes freezing. Understanding these risk factors can help you keep your pipes protected. Here are some common culprits behind freezing pipes that you should keep in mind:

• Poor insulation: If the pipes in your exterior walls, basement, or attic aren’t well-insulated, they’re more susceptible to freezing.
• Poor water circulation: Standing water in pipes that aren’t used often is more likely to freeze than pipes used often with flowing water.
• Outdoor exposure: Pipes in unheated outdoor areas, such as garages, crawl spaces, or basements, are at higher risk of freezing.
• Low thermostat: Keeping your home’s thermostat too low can allow your pipes to freeze.
• Drafty areas: Pipes near drafty windows, doors, or unsealed cracks can freeze as cold air seeps into your home.
• Older or damaged pipes: Aging pipes often experience corrosion and rust due to normal wear and tear, meaning they’re weakened and more likely to burst when they freeze.
• Hard water supply: The water supply in East Tennessee is hard, meaning it has a higher concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water often results in mineral deposits in pipes, making it easier for freezing and bursting to occur.
• High water pressure: If your home’s plumbing system has high water pressure, your pipes are put under excess stress that could cause them to burst easier when frozen.

Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen

Even with preparation, your pipes may still freeze depending on the temperature and conditions of your home. Identifying this problem early can prevent additional damage, such as a burst pipe that leads to leaks or flooding. Here are some key signs that your pipes have frozen:

Reduced or Lack of Water Flow

One of the first signs that your pipes may be frozen is little to no water flow when you turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. If you open a faucet and nothing comes out, or only a trickle of water appears, there’s a strong possibility that the pipe leading to that faucet is frozen and ice is blocking the water flow.

Frost on Pipes

Visible frost or ice on the outside of your pipes is another telltale sign of freezing. If you can access exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as your basement, attic, or crawl space, check for frost buildup. The presence of ice or a frosty exterior means the water inside the pipe is likely frozen.

Strange Sounds

When pipes are partially frozen but not completely blocked, you may hear unusual sounds, such as gurgling, banging, or clanking when you turn on a faucet. This could be due to air being pushed through the ice blockage, causing the sound. Sometimes, you may even hear a “popping” noise, signaling expanding ice inside the pipe.

Unpleasant Odors

If your drains emit strange or unpleasant odors, it could be because your pipes are blocked with ice. A frozen pipe can prevent proper drainage, causing gases and odors from your sewer system to build up inside the pipe and back up into your home.

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect your pipes against freezing temperatures. Here are some preventative tips you can follow to ensure your pipes remain ice-free this winter:

• Insulate pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation or sleeves, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, and attics. Insulation acts as a barrier, protecting pipes from the cold.
• Protect your outside water spigots: Disconnect garden hoses from your outside water spigot and add insulated covers. Frozen outside spigots are the number one reason for burst pipes during freezing temperatures.
• Seal gaps and cracks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and cracks in walls near your pipes. This includes any gaps from vents or electrical wiring. This helps keep cold air out and warm air in.
• Keep your thermostat steady: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even when you’re away. Set your thermostat to at least 55º F, especially in rooms that are less frequently used.
• Allow faucets to drip: On particularly cold nights, leave a faucet dripping slightly. Running water is less likely to freeze, and the movement helps relieve pressure in your pipes to prevent bursting if they start to freeze.
• Open cabinet doors: In colder areas of your home, such as under kitchen and bathroom sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

What To Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen

If you suspect that your pipes are already frozen, don’t panic — there are steps you can take to minimize the damage. Here’s what to do:

1. Turn off the water supply: If you suspect a frozen pipe, immediately shut off the main water valve to prevent a burst pipe and flooding.
2. Open the affected faucet: Open the faucet fed by the frozen pipe. This helps relieve pressure in the pipe and allows water to flow when it begins to thaw.
3. Thaw the pipe carefully: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the frozen section of the pipe. Start from the faucet end and work your way toward the blockage. Never use an open flame like a blowtorch, as this can damage the pipe and pose a fire hazard. You should also make sure all heating sources are kept away from flammable materials to prevent fires.
4. Check for leaks: Inspect the pipe for cracks or leaks once it’s thawed. If you find any damage, contact a professional immediately to repair the pipe before turning the water back on. Be aware that plumbing professionals can’t repair frozen or burst pipes until they thaw.

Trust Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling To Repair Your Frozen Pipes

If your pipes have frozen or burst, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. We offer fast, reliable frozen pipe repairs to minimize damage and get your water flowing smoothly once again.

Our knowledgeable and experienced team knows how to provide recommendations to safely thaw frozen pipes, assess for damage, and handle any necessary repairs. Whether you need immediate emergency assistance or want to take preventative steps to protect your pipes this winter, our team can help.

Don’t let frozen pipes become a costly disaster — contact us to schedule a frozen pipe repair in Knoxville, TN, today.