Frozen pipes may not appear to be a regular occurrence on the West Coast, especially in Southern California, where the temperature is normally warm and temperate all year. Even in the harshest weeks of winter, Southern California rarely has the ice difficulties that the rest of the country does. This is not to say that the area should not take safeguards throughout the winter. Colder-than-normal winters are a condition that might cause water to freeze within your home’s pipes, causing significant difficulties if not detected and remedied promptly.
Water should not freeze in the pipes under normal conditions if a house is correctly planned and constructed, since a variety of precautions are taken to avoid the problem from occurring. Pipes closer to the exterior walls, or in regions more exposed to the elements, such as attics or crawl spaces, are often insulated to minimise severe temperature swings. Check the insulation to ensure it is there and in excellent condition; if it is not, the first action should be to reapply any worn or stripped material.
There are some additional precautions you may take to avoid frozen pipes from becoming a reality, depending on how your home is structured and the gadgets you have linked to your water pipes. If you want to be away from your home for a lengthy amount of time during the winter, disconnect exterior hoses such as garden hoses. Drain any extra water from the hoses and pipes, and if feasible, turn off the water valve to avoid any excessive water from accumulating in the pipes. Simply turn off the main water supply and run all of the faucets in the house until no more water comes out.
Other measures, in addition to pipe insulation, may be required to reduce the impact of exposed pipes. While most plumbing in a home may be insulated or placed in regions where warmer air circulates, there are some instances where this may not be practicable. If you reside in a colder climate where freezing is widespread, one (expensive) approach is to have a plumber completely rethink the layout and reroute the troublesome pipes to warmer portions of the property. Since this isn’t always feasible, another option is to ensure that insulation is put not only to the pipe, but that the region is also caulked to prevent cold air from leaking through gaps. Even the smallest of holes and fissures can drastically reduce an area’s air temperature over time.
Another option is to leave a tiny amount of water flowing for a prolonged length of time. While this does not immediately help to avoid water from freezing, it can alleviate pressure in the pipes if ice does develop. When ice accumulation makes it harder for existing water to travel, steady water flow, even if it’s a tiny quantity, can postpone or even prevent a burst pipe. This should only be used on exposed pipes since it consumes water and is unnecessary on insulated lines that will not freeze.
If the water does freeze and form ice, the flow within the pipes will get backed up to the point that water pressure will force the weakest part of the pipe to explode. As a result, time becomes the most crucial aspect in the equation. If you are at the house and are able to fix the issue, make sure to first turn off the water supply. In any water damage situation, repairing the leak will assist avoid further damage and should always be done after the residents’ safety has been ensured. From then, leave the faucet open and contact your local water damage pros to come out and fully analyse the matter, since attempting to fix it yourself may cause other difficulties.
As you can see, even if freezing may not be as severe as it is on the East Coast, winter weather may still pose problems for your property if it is not properly protected. If you follow some of the simple measures listed above, you can be confident that your property will be adequately secured from the weather. If you live in a significantly colder section of the United States, make sure to talk with a licenced plumber to get the best understanding of what would be necessary to safeguard your pipes.
J.O. Plumbing is water damage restoration business located in Melbourne. Tradie business with many years of industry expertise and a track record of client satisfaction and exceptional craftsmanship.
