It's Cold Out There, Beware of Freezing Pipes!

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Older pipes coming out of a sink on an exterior facing wall

In Texas, we usually have mild winters with our coldest months being January and February.  It does not often fall below freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and when it occurs it typically doesn't happen for long. Because of this, most homes and buildings are not built with pipes that are well insulated or in warmer parts of the house. 

When temperatures hit 20 degrees, you can really get into the danger zone with pipes bursting. This can happen with metal and PVC pipes.  Ice forms inside the pipe and creates a blockage.  When water freezes, it expands building up pressure from the blockage to the faucet. Eventually it is too much and the pipe cracks or ruptures sending water everywhere.

Solutions/Tips:

-Moving water has a hard time freezing and is why it is a good idea to keep water at a trickle during these cold weather times.  This does not mean you have to turn on every faucet, usually just pipes that have exposure to the cold weather like ones running along exterior walls.

-Add insulation to vulnerable pipes.

-Even if you will be gone, keep the building temperature at least 55 degrees.

-Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate and reach pipes in these areas.

-Know where your area water shut-off and outside curb valves are located.

-Have the name of a good plumber on hand.

-Have the name of a good water mitigation company on hand.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we are here to help with whatever emergency needs may arise such as a pipe bursting in wintertime.  Serving the DFW area, give us a call at 214-463-5880.