Winter is a beautiful season with its crisp air, festive holidays, and often snowy landscapes. But for homeowners, it can also bring a hidden danger—burst pipes. These sudden and often costly incidents can cause significant water damage, disrupt daily life, and lead to expensive repairs.
If you’re a homeowner in a region that experiences cold winters, understanding why pipes burst and how to prevent them is essential. That’s why companies like Stewart Plumbing emphasize the importance of winter preparedness for your plumbing system.
Burst pipes typically occur due to freezing temperatures. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the pipe walls. Since water expands as it turns to ice, the pipe can crack or even burst if the pressure becomes too great. This problem is particularly common in areas where temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods and pipes are exposed to cold air.
Let’s break down the main causes of burst pipes in winter and explore practical prevention tips to keep your home safe and your plumbing intact.
What Causes Pipes to Burst in Winter?
1. Water freezes inside pipes
As temperatures fall, water inside pipes can freeze. Water expands by about 9% when it freezes, which puts enormous pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure exceeds what the pipe can withstand, it will burst, often causing water to gush once it thaws.
2. Poor Insulation
Pipes located in unheated spaces such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are at high risk. Without proper insulation, these pipes are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Homes without sufficient insulation in these areas are more likely to experience pipe bursts during harsh winters.
3. Sudden Temperature Drops
Sudden temperature drops, particularly during the night, can surprise homeowners. Even if the day is relatively warm, a quick plunge below freezing can cause water in vulnerable pipes to freeze unexpectedly.
4. Faulty Heating or Ventilation
Inefficient heating systems or improperly heated rooms can expose pipes to cold air. If a room remains unheated during a cold snap, pipes in that area can freeze quickly.
5. Neglecting Drip Prevention Techniques
When temperatures are near freezing, leaving faucets to drip slightly can prevent water from freezing inside the pipes. Neglecting this simple technique can increase the risk of a burst pipe.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Properly insulating pipes is one of the best ways to keep them from freezing. Use foam pipe sleeves or insulation tape to cover pipes in vulnerable areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. This insulation helps keep the heat around the pipes and reduces the risk of freezing.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can sneak into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter walls. Sealing these openings with caulk or weatherstripping helps keep cold air out and warm air in, protecting your pipes.
3. Keep the Heat On
Even if you plan to be away during cold weather, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. This prevents the temperature in your home from dropping too low and protects your pipes from freezing.
4. Let Faucets Drip
Let a small stream of water run from faucets attached to vulnerable pipes. Moving water freezes less easily than standing water and can prevent pressure buildup inside pipes.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
If you have sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors beneath them to allow warm air from your home to circulate through the plumbing.
6. Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves before winter. Drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage.
7. Identify the Location of Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
In the event of a burst pipe, quickly shutting off your water supply can minimize damage. Please ensure you are familiar with the location of your main water valve and understand how to operate it.
Key Takeaways
- Pipes burst in winter primarily because water freezes, expands, and causes pressure that cracks the pipe.
- Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas are most vulnerable.
- Rapid temperature drops and poor home heating increase the risk of pipe bursts.
- Simple prevention steps include insulating pipes, sealing gaps, maintaining a consistent home temperature, and allowing faucets to drip slightly.
- Knowing the location of your main water shutoff valve is crucial in minimizing damage if a pipe bursts.