Why Do Water Pipes Sometimes Burst in the Winter and How to Prevent It

Water pipes bursting in the winter is a common issue, but have you ever wondered why it happens? It's often due to the freezing of water inside the pipes, which expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls.

Frozen water can cause pipes to burst because it expands up to 9% in volume, which is a significant increase that can lead to pipe failure.

This is especially true for pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures or have poor insulation, making them more susceptible to freezing.

Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages are more likely to freeze and burst during the winter months.

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Cold weather is a major contributor to pipe bursts, as temperatures below freezing can cause water in exposed pipes to freeze and expand, leading to a build-up of pressure and subsequent rupture.

This is a common issue during the winter months, but it's not the only cause of pipe bursts. Corroding pipes in older properties can also lead to burst pipes, as well as poor installation of pipes and fixtures.

A significant increase in water pressure can also cause a pipe to burst, as pipes won't be able to contain it, causing a rupture.

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Corrosion is a slow but sure way to ruin your pipes. Years of slow building corrosion can cause a pipe to fail.

Corrosion is often caused by a pH imbalance in the water, which can start as a minor issue but take its toll on water pipes over time. This can lead to a range of problems, from pipes bursting to water flow being prohibited altogether.

If you have hard water and your water supply pipes are made of galvanized iron, the minerals inside the water will slowly wear down the galvanized coating, exposing the iron pipe beneath. This can cause the iron to turn to rust, or iron oxide, which gradually narrows the diameter of the pipe.

In time, the corroded pipe may burst or close itself off, prohibiting water flow altogether.

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Maintaining normal water pressure is vital for your water supply pipes to function properly. A significant increase in the water pressure can lead to a burst pipe or a failed plumbing fixture such as a faucet or toilet.

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The ideal water pressure in most homes is between 30-50 psi. In most cases, it should not exceed 60 psi to avoid damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures.

If your home's water pressure is too high, it can cause pipes to burst. This is because the pipes won't be able to contain the increased pressure, leading to a rupture.

To check your water pressure, you can attach a pressure gauge to a sink spout and turn on the faucet. The pressure will move the needle on the gauge and display the water pressure in psi.

A plumber can install a pressure reducing valve to adjust your home's water pressure down to safer levels. This is especially important if you suspect your water pressure is too high.

Preventing Pipe Bursts is crucial to avoid the stress and mess of dealing with a burst pipe. Insulate your pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, to prevent them from freezing.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. Regularly check your plumbing system for signs of leaks, corrosion, or other issues, and replace old or damaged pipes before they become a problem.

Disconnecting hoses and draining outdoor faucets before cold weather sets in can also prevent damage. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when you're away, can also help prevent pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F during the cold months to keep your pipes from freezing while water flows.

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Lag and insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing. This is especially important for pipes in unheated areas, such as the loft, garage, cellar, or those fixed to the inside of external walls.

Pipes should be appropriately lagged and insulated to stop them from getting cold to the point of freezing. The thinner the pipe, the thicker the insulation should be.

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Insulating pipes in these areas can be the difference between waking up to a frozen pipe and not. It's a simple step that can save you from a lot of hassle and expense.

In the event of a furnace breakdown, any extra insulation on pipes can buy them critical hours. This means you'll have time to get the issue sorted before your pipes freeze.

Pipes in unheated areas are the primary cause of escape of water claims, so it's essential to take action and lag and insulate them.

Drain down your heating system if you're leaving your holiday home unoccupied for a long period over winter. This will prevent water from freezing and causing damage.

Simply turning off the water supply is not enough, as there's still a lot of water in the pipes and tanks that can freeze. Get advice from a qualified plumber or heating engineer on how to drain down the system.

Flushing toilets is also crucial to prevent water freezing. You should also put a healthy serving of salt down the toilet and sink to prevent water from freezing.

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Frozen pipes can be a real headache, especially during the winter months. They can burst, causing significant damage to your home and belongings.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, check for frost or ice on visible pipes, or look for bulges in the pipes. If the heating fails, it could be due to freezing pipes.

Frozen pipes can be prevented by taking precautions, such as insulating exposed water supply pipes and keeping the temperature in your home above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also open cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

If you do have a frozen pipe, don't panic - they won't always burst. However, if you notice signs of splitting or cracks, it's best to call a plumber. To thaw a frozen pipe, turn off the water supply at the internal stop tap and check for damage before attempting to thaw it.

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Here are some steps to follow when dealing with a frozen pipe:

If you're unable to thaw the pipe or notice signs of a burst, it's best to call a plumber for assistance.

Check your attic and basement for exposed pipes near outside walls or the ceiling and wrap them in an insulating layer to protect against freezing temperatures.

It's a good idea to locate your water shutoff valve now in the fall, so you know what to do in case of an emergency. This can save you from running around the outside of your house in the dark looking for a snow-buried shutoff valve.

Lag pipes and insulate them, especially in unheated areas like the loft, garage, cellar, or those fixed to the inside of external walls, to prevent them from getting cold to the point of freezing.

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Insufficient insulation in your attic and basement can be a problem, especially for exposed pipes near outside walls or the ceiling. They can freeze up if not given an extra layer of protection.

Take a quick look through your basement and attic to check for exposed pipes. If you find any, it might not be a bad idea to wrap them in an insulating layer. This can buy them critical hours if the rest of your home gets frosty.

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Knowing where your shutoff valve is can be a lifesaver in an emergency. It's essential to locate it now in the fall so you know what to do in the case of a burst pipe.

Many people don't know where the water shutoff valve is, especially renters. This can lead to catastrophic pipe bursts.

Locate your shutoff valve and make sure you can easily access it. This will save you time and stress in an emergency.

The last thing you want to be doing on a cold winter morning is running around the outside of your house in the dark looking for a snow-buried shutoff valve. This can be frustrating and chaotic.

Locating your shutoff valve now will give you peace of mind and ensure you're prepared for any situation.

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