Below-freezing temps on the Outer Banks can put a damper on the winter spirit, but even worse than frigid temps outdoors are freezing temps that can harm your indoor or outdoor plumbing. Whether you’re a full-time resident or a vacation home owner, it’s essential to take steps to prevent frozen pipes in your home.
Let us share some winter plumbing wisdom with you!
Why You Should Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes In Your Home
While the Outer Banks of North Carolina may not experience freezing temperatures frequently, it’s crucial to be proactive in protecting your plumbing from the potential hazards of cold weather.
According to an estimate by State Farm Insurance, an eighth-inch crack in a pipe that acts as a water resource can unload as much water as 250 gallons over 24 hours each day, with pipe and home repairs reaching $10K and up. If you’re in the home, you will most likely spot a crack or leak before the water becomes damaging, but it can be particularly disastrous if your home is vacant during the winter months.
Do North Carolina Homes Risk Frozen Pipes?
You may be surprised to learn that North Carolina homes, including those in the Outer Banks, are at risk for frozen pipes. Water damage from cracked pipes is the second most common cause of homeowner insurance claims, right after hurricane-related damage.
By winterizing your home and following a few preventive tips, you can avoid becoming part of these statistics.
Essential Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
Freezing temperatures can pose a threat to both outdoor and indoor plumbing, making it essential to stay informed and prepared. Here are 5 detailed tips to safeguard your plumbing system from the challenges of winter and keep your pipes from freezing.
#1: Repair Leaks Promptly
Water expands when it freezes, which can exert increased pressure on your pipes and reduce the space between the ice and closed faucets. This heightened pressure can lead to ruptured pipes. Addressing leaks promptly is vital regardless of the season.
If a leaky area freezes during winter, the likelihood of the leak expanding increases, making repairs more costly. Regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks (ask us about Moen Flo!) and take swift action to prevent potential issues.
#2: Let Your Faucet Drip
Before heading to bed, especially if the forecast predicts temperatures falling below freezing, consider allowing any water source on an outside wall to drip (just a trickle!). This continuous flow of water reduces the risk of freezing because the water is in constant motion.
Additionally, letting the faucet drip can act as a preventive measure against burst pipes, as the pressure is less likely to build up between the faucet and an ice formation.
#3: Open Cabinets to Allow Heat
Maximize the flow of heat in your home by opening cabinets beneath sinks, especially those located along exterior walls. Allowing warm air to circulate around your pipes minimizes the chances of water freezing within them. This simple yet effective step can be crucial in protecting your plumbing during the winter months.
#4: Turn Off Outdoor Fixtures
For outdoor showers or spigots, dripping water may not be sufficient to prevent freezing. Instead, remove hoses and other attachments, turn off the valve serving that fixture, and open the fixture to release any remaining water.
Return to the main shut-off valve, place a bucket underneath, open the drain plug, and let any remaining water drain out. Don’t forget to replace the drain plug to complete the process.
#5: Insulate Your Home
Add an extra layer of protection against freezing by insulating exposed pipes along exterior walls and outside your home. Insulation tubes made from materials like fiberglass or polyethylene are effective in preventing heat loss and protecting pipes from the cold. Ensuring that all unheated areas of your home with pipes are adequately insulated can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
How to Repair Frozen Pipes
Repairing frozen pipes can be tricky when temperatures are still below freezing. But once you’ve managed any issues that were discovered, begin to make a plan of attack to ensure these problems don’t rear their ugly heads again!
Never Attempt These Methods to Thaw Frozen Pipes
As a word of caution, never attempt to thaw frozen pipes using open flames or torches. This is not only dangerous but can also cause severe damage to your plumbing.
Never, ever (we mean never!) perform any of these tactics to thaw your pipes:
- Take a torch to your pipes
- Poor anti-freeze down your sink or in your toilet
- Use any electrical equipment in standing water
- Try to cut or repair piping without a knowledgeable professional present
Instead, use safe methods like a hairdryer or call a professional plumber for assistance.
Plan Ahead to Prevent Future Issues
If you’re having issues year after year, and doing your best to patch and repair, it might be time to plan ahead to prevent future issues. Re-piping once winter is behind us can put an end to the hassle and cost of annual repairs.
Keep in mind that houses built in late 60’s to early 80’s were piped with copper and not designed for the extreme weather patterns we see today. Copper pipes are rigid and hard to install in the flooring system, so they were often placed below the ‘heated envelope’ (the insulated area of your home) and more prone to freezing – especially carport areas.
For the best defense against winter weather, these pipes should be replaced.
Protect Your Home’s Pipes From Freezing This Winter with Action Plumbing
Protect your pipes, protect your home. Freezing temperatures can pose serious risks to both outdoor and indoor plumbing.
Aside from having an annual inspection of your plumbing system, or winterizing your Outer Banks home, here are a few tips to eliminate (or at the very least, mitigate) frozen pipes:
- Disconnect hoses from any outside water sources. If left attached, they can prevent pipes from draining; this can lead to cracks and leaks of your pipes.
- Close off water supply to any outdoor faucets, showers or other sources.
- Open the doors on kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are located on an outside wall. This will enable warm air flow around the pipes.
- Allow faucets inside your home that are located on an outside wall to drip (both hot and cold-water sides so both pipes are drawing water). Moving water tends not to freeze. However, this moving water can stabilize in your drain and possibly freeze, so it’s important to monitor this. If you’re unable to do so (vacation rental, summer home), then it’s best not to let the faucets drip.
- Turn up the heat on your thermostat, and set it to run at the same temperature 24-7 during the freeze period.
- Insulate your attic, utility room, crawl spaces and exposed piping. Heat tape can also be used to wrap pipes and prevent pipes from freezing.
By following these tips and scheduling an inspection or winterization service with Action Plumbing, you can ensure your plumbing is protected and avoid costly repairs. Learn more about our comprehensive winterizing service and feel free to contact us with any questions.
We’re here to help ensure your plumbing stays in top condition throughout the winter.
Stay warm and worry-free this season!
