How to prevent frozen and burst pipes

February 25, 2021

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Last week, after the storm passed and temperatures started rising, Austin lost 325 million gallons of water because of burst pipes. In this article, we’ll explore preventive measures for existing and new homes to safeguard against frozen and burst pipes.

Preventive Measures for Existing Homes

Before freezing weather arrives, take these steps to protect your home:

Locate and Know Your Water Shut Off Valve: Buy a water meter key, locate your property’s water shut off valve, and learn how to turn it off. This knowledge can minimize flood damage and prevent water wastage.
Remove Garden Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses from outside faucets.
Turn Off Irrigation Systems: Shut off irrigation systems to prevent water freezing in pipes.
Seal Leaks and Cover Vents: Use caulk or insulation to seal leaks around pipes allowing cold air inside. Cover vents around your home’s foundation.
Insulate Outside Faucets: Use Styrofoam covers, rags, or paper to insulate outside faucets. Reflectix insulation can also be effective in extreme weather.
Insulate Interior Pipes: Insulate attic pipes with foam, towels, or heat tape.

Additional measures

Open Cabinet Doors: Warm pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
Shut Off Water to Unconditioned Areas: Shut off water to washing machines in unconditioned garages and drain water softeners to protect from freezing temperatures.
Drip Faucets: If temperatures are expected to be below 28F for over 4 hours, allow indoor and outdoor faucets to drip. This relieves pressure building up between ice blockage and the faucet.
Thawing Frozen Pipes: If pipes are already frozen, shut off the water supply before attempting to thaw them.

Preventive Steps for New Construction

For new homes, consider these preventive measures:

Use PEX Pipes: Consider using PEX or cross-linked polyethylene pipes that are more resilient in cold weather compared to copper pipes. Insulate PEX pipes for extra protection.
Reduce Pipe Joints: Minimize the number of pipe joints, as they are vulnerable when water freezes. PEX pipes can make 90-degree turns with support, unlike copper pipes that need cutting.
Insulate Roofs: Insulate not only attics but also roofs to protect pipes, ducts, and HVAC equipment from temperature swings.
Implement Smart Design: Design homes with a central core to run pipes through interior walls, protecting them from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Innovative Solutions

Consider investing in the “Arctic Blaster,” a product that uses super-heated low-pressure dry steam to thaw frozen pipes, sewer lines, and other equipment. This portable device is more energy-efficient than heat tape and works without any outside power source.

By implementing these preventive measures and innovative solutions, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes in their homes. Be proactive and safeguard your property from potential damage during extreme weather conditions.