The water supply line that carries your hot and cold water to every tap in your home is a complex network of piping. It begins with the main water line, which is often buried under your property.
It branches off and runs to your water heater, then separates to run to the different hot water faucets throughout your home. The water pressure in these pipes is delicate and must balance with the water volume being supplied.
Pipes that Freeze
Water pipes have the potential to break or burst in cold weather because of their ability to expand as they freeze. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on the pipe’s walls no matter how strong they are.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent frozen water pipes from bursting or cracking in winter. By following a few simple steps, you can protect your home and your budget from expensive damage and repairs.
Insulating exposed pipes (especially in colder areas of the house) is a good start, as is running a slow trickle of water. Keeping doors open and circulating warm air around the home will also help keep pipes from freezing.
If you notice a frozen pipe in your home, it’s important to thaw it as quickly as possible before it causes further damage. A few simple steps can make the process easier and quicker for you, saving you time and money in the long run. Calling a professional plumber will ensure that all necessary precautions are taken before the pipe is thawed.
Pipes That Burst
The icy grip of winter can have a negative impact on many things in your home, including your plumbing system. Frozen water pipes are one of the most serious problems that can happen to a homeowner during the colder months.
When ice forms in a pipe, it expands and puts pressure on the walls. This is particularly dangerous because it can rupture the pipe, even if it’s at a weak point.
According to NorthStar Services Co-Owner Jim Lowinski, frozen water pipes are not only a hassle but can also cause significant damage. He recommends lining your home with insulation and checking for drafts near pipes in colder areas of the house, like a basement.
Another common cause of pipes bursting is sudden changes in water pressure. This can be due to issues with your water meter or faulty water pressure regulators. It can also be caused by changes in the ground, which can stress your pipes and cause them to burst.
Pipes That Condensate
In cold weather, the water in your pipes can freeze and condense on the outside of the pipe causing it to burst. This is a common problem in areas that experience harsh winters, but you can prevent this by taking some simple precautions.
In general, pipes have a limited lifespan regardless of the material they are made from, which is why it’s so important to insulate them as soon as the colder months arrive. You can do this by using insulation that is designed to stop the transfer of heat and cold to the operatives’ skin while also acting as a vapour barrier to keep moisture from penetrating the insulation and forming condensation on the pipes.
This can cause corrosion, mould growth and water-borne illnesses in your home. It can also affect the performance of your plumbing system, which can result in costly repairs. To ensure the safety of your pipes, be sure to insulate them with a quality vapour barrier and consider adding pipe lagging.
Insulating Pipes
Water pipes can be a serious hazard in wintertime, and if you have any in your home that are exposed to freezing temperatures, you should consider insulating them. This will help to prevent them from becoming damaged or bursting, which can be expensive and messy to repair.
There are several different types of pipe insulation available, but the most effective ones are fiberglass and rubber. These materials will keep your pipes warmer and will also stop heat loss from the hot water.
Foil and foam types are also popular choices, as they are easy to install and provide good insulating values. They must be wrapped around the pipes slightly overlapped and then secured with duct tape.