One of the worst things to happen to a home during the winter is a burst pipe. This could lead to water damage, destroyed electronics, and possible permanent destruction. Not only can the damage be expensive, but the winter can bring about more than a few complications. The temperatures of the water are far colder, and may pose hazards to the health of any home’s residents. 

To minimize the risks of encountering this problem, it is important to understand what causes a burst pipe. From there, you can identify the signs and seek help before you’re left with a bill of thousands of dollars in disaster restoration. After all, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

The hazard of freezing temperatures

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but the natural insulation and the flow within the pipe means that the fluids might not immediately solidify at those temperatures. The danger zone is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but that might still depend on a number of factors. The pipes inside your home, for example, might remain safe. 

If the temperature has remained at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below for at least six hours, then you should start to worry. This is a greater concern especially if your location does not routinely experience harsh winters. 

What can I do?

While there are few practical ways of heating underground pipes, there are still a few things you can do to ensure that the fluids don’t freeze. Here are just some of them:

1. Wrap your exposed pipes with heat tape

Pipes that are exposed are easy enough to protect; there are plenty of pipe insulators available on the market that you can wrap around your exposed pipes to stave off the impending freeze. 

2. Redirect some warmth to the colder parts of your home

If any pipes are located near an outside wall or a window, it might be better to strategize your heating and ventilation to make sure the pipes in those areas are warmed up. Basement pipes are also fairly susceptible to bursting. 

3. Leave your water running

In the winter, one of the things that can keep your water from freezing is the flow. So long as the water keeps flowing, there is a reduced likelihood of pipes bursting. This is best in emergencies, especially if the temperature has been dangerously low for several hours. 

4. Disconnect your hose from your outside faucet

The water in your house is more prone to freezing, especially since it does not offer the insulation of a pipe. Should the water in it freeze, there is a heightened probability of the water inside your pipes solidifying. As such, the hose should be disconnected should this become a problem. 

5. Seal the leaks into your home

Any leaks that allow cold air into your home should be sealed with caulk or other insulation materials to keep the cold out. In the severe cold, even the tiniest opening can cause a pipe to freeze and burst. If a room feels colder than it should or there are unwelcome drafts in the area, try to locate the source before it becomes a more severe problem. 

Final thoughts

There are few things worse than being forced to make expensive repairs during the winter. As such, it is important to be aware of the condition of your pipes and to employ the right strategies to keep them safe and warm. It can not only prevent devastating blows to your finances but risks to the health of you and your family. 

If you’re looking for the help of Utah-based professionals who help with disaster restoration or water damage, give us at AAA Restoration Utah a call. We are a locally owned and operated business that specializes in a variety of intense repairs.