Winter can be pretty brutal in Edmonton. While we get to watch Oilers games weekly and the cold weather allows us to hibernate whenever we feel like it, when your home's plumbing system isn't adequately insulated, a bad hockey game will seem like a small loss compared to the chaos of a frozen pipe bursting. You have to protect your pipes from freezing and your water supply; otherwise, you'll face expensive repairs and the hassle of water damage.
Our Edmonton plumbers are going to teach you some DIY-friendly tasks that will help prevent frozen pipes in your home. The licensed plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton are well aware of the chaos that frozen pipes can cause. The last thing you would want to find is that your house has suffered extensive water damage from burst pipes when you return home. So, keep reading as we guide you through how to prevent pipes from freezing in your Edmonton home.
What Happens When Plumbing Pipes Freeze?
It's very rare for an Edmonton winter season not to have at least a couple of -30°C days. In that type of cold, you will want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared. But what happens when the pipe freezes? When uninsulated pipes freeze, the water inside them turns to ice, creating intense pressure that can cause them to crack or burst. When this happens, it results in extreme water damage to your property, often requiring costly repairs and restoration. But you can mitigate the risk of freezing through a few simple steps.
The Best Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Keep Your Home Warm and Cozy
Did you know that pipes can freeze even at -6°C? That's why it's important to keep the thermostat set between 17°C and 22°C to prevent frozen pipes. Now, not every nook and cranny of your home is set at that temperature. More often than that, exterior walls, basements, and crawl spaces can be much cooler, increasing the risk of pipes freezing in those areas. If you have a furnace issue, keep a portable space heater on hand to help maintain a warmer temperature in colder spots.
Insulate Pipes that are Exposed
Now, this is probably one of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes in Edmonton: you must insulate exposed pipes. Insulation helps prevent pipes from freezing and also reduces energy costs by maintaining water temperature. The most common insulating materials are fiberglass, polyethylene, and foam because they provide effective thermal resistance and are easy to install. However, duct tape and electrical heating tape are also frequently used, as they can provide additional protection against extreme temperatures.
Seal Any Cracks and Openings
Winter breezes can chill us to the bone, and cracks in your windows, door frames, or foundation can affect your plumbing system. Before the end of fall, ensure that these areas are crack-free. You can use caulk and sealing to prevent drafts and keep the cold air out. This is often the source of frozen pipes.
Keep Warm Air Circulating
The next way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure there is always heat circulating around the plumbing pipes. You can do this by ensuring your exterior and garage doors are always closed and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach the plumbing when it’s really cold. By allowing warm air to circulate around the plumbing, you will prevent frozen pipes near exterior walls.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Letting the cold water drip from your outdoor hose bibs and faucets is another way to prevent frozen pipes. Drain water from hoses and disconnect them to protect your outdoor plumbing during the winter months. This simple act relieves any extra pressure in the pipes if water is still in the system.
If You're a Snowbird, Have Backup
Now, if you're out of Edmonton when winter comes, you might be smarter than all of us, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your plumbing. To ensure you're not getting back to a home with damaged floors and ceilings, have someone check your house every few days. You should also keep your thermostat set to at least 15°C and turn off the water valve to prevent any surprises when you return.
Top Signs You Have Frozen Pipes in Edmonton
As an Albertan homeowner, you should be well aware of the signs that indicate your pipes are frozen, so you can get the help you need from our experienced plumbers. Your pipes might have frozen if you notice:
- Reduced water flow
- Strange noises
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Visible condensation
- Water temperature fluctuations
If Your Pipes Do Freeze, Here's How You Can Safely Thaw Them
What happens if your pipes are frozen? There are a couple of things you have to do before our plumbers arrive for frozen pipe repair. The first thing you should do is shut off the main water supply to stop water flow and prevent pipe bursts. Open all the faucets in your home to relieve pressure as the ice begins to thaw. Next, locate the frozen pipe by feeling for cold spots or frost on exposed pipes, and by listening for unusual sounds, such as gurgling or banging.
Next, you'll safely thaw frozen pipes. You can use an electric hair dryer, space heater, or heating pad to melt ice in the pipe slowly. All our plumbers ask is that you never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as it can cause damage and pose a significant fire hazard. Once the pipes have thawed, check for any leaks or cracks that may have formed during the freezing process.
Prevent Frozen Pipes at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton Way!
To prevent frozen pipes, just make a few simple fixes and insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton is always happy and ready to guide you through the best insulation materials and techniques for your specific plumbing needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services and how we can help you repair and prevent frozen pipes in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and beyond.
