During the winter months, cold weather is an unwelcome visitor in many homes and buildings. That’s “freezing. A freeze is when the water in a water pipe freezes and bursts the pipe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes freezes, how to respond quickly when they occur, and how to prevent them.
Understanding the causes of freezes
- Freezing occurs when the temperature drops dramatically. As the water inside a water pipe freezes, it expands in volume, causing the pipe to break or burst.
What to do if you find a freeze
- Shut off the water: The first thing you need to do is find the valve on the main water line and turn off the water. This prevents additional leaks.
- Check for leaks: Check for water leaks and, if possible, temporarily stop the flow of water.
- Call a professional: It’s safest to leave repairs to a professional. Call a repairman as soon as possible.
How to prevent freezing
- Use insulation: It’s important to wrap your water pipes with insulation. There is insulation for pipes on the market, and using it to wrap around your water pipes will help a lot.
- Maintain the right temperature: We recommend keeping the room temperature at least 12 degrees Celsius. This prevents water pipes from freezing.
- Drain water pipes: If you’re going to be away from your home for an extended period of time during the winter, it’s a good idea to drain the water in your water pipes. This prevents the water in the pipes from freezing and expanding.
Additional tips
- Prepare for emergencies: Know the location of your water lines and the valve on your main water line ahead of time. This allows for a quick response in the event of an emergency.
- Regular inspections: Check the condition of your water pipes before the winter season begins. If necessary, it’s a good idea to make repairs in advance.
Answering frequently asked questions
- Q: How do I insulate my water pipes?
- You can use commercially available insulation for pipes, or go old school and use newspaper or Styrofoam.
- Q: What is your advice for caring for my water lines when I’m away from home for an extended period of time?
- Drain the water in the pipes and turn off the main water supply. If possible, consider setting up a heating system to keep the room at an appropriate temperature.
- Q: In the event of a freeze, should I attempt a DIY repair or leave it to the professionals?
- You can take temporary measures for small leaks, but it’s safest to leave the repair to a professional. You should always seek professional help, especially if you have a burst pipe.
Freezing is a big problem that can occur during the winter months. However, with proper precautions and a quick response, the damage can be minimized. We hope these tips help you stay safe and warm this winter.
