How to Prevent Pipe Freezing During a Freeze Warning

When a freeze warning is issued, many homeowners are tempted to shut off the water main to prevent any possibility of their pipes freezing. However, as experienced by many, this action alone is not sufficient to ensure the safety of the pipes. In this article, we will explore the proper steps you should take to prevent pipe freezing during a freeze warning and the importance of maintaining a trickle of water in your home.

Understanding the Risks of Shuttering the Water Main

It is a common misconception that turning off the water main will guarantee that your pipes will not freeze. While it indeed stops the flow of water, any residual water left in the pipes can still freeze, leading to potential damage.

To illustrate this, consider the following points:

Water that is still present in the pipes can freeze, especially if the surrounding temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. Without a constant flow of water, the heat from the surrounding environment cannot adequately circulate, causing the water to freeze. Even if the main supply is turned off, it's important to maintain a trickle of water to ensure that any remaining water does not freeze.

Proper Steps to Prevent Pipe Freezing

To significantly reduce the risk of your pipes freezing, follow these steps:

1. Drain the Pipes

Before turning off the water main, open all faucets to allow any remaining water to drain out. This includes both hot and cold taps. By draining the pipes, you remove any risk of water pooling and freezing.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Consider insulating pipes that are exposed in unheated areas, such as basements, garages, attics, or crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation or blankets can provide an effective barrier against the cold.

3. Maintain a Temperature Above Freezing

Ensure that your home is kept above freezing temperatures to prevent pipes from freezing. This is especially important in areas where pipes are located.

4. Leave Cabinet Doors Open

If you have plumbing in cabinets, leave the doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. This helps to prevent the surrounding pipes from freezing.

Advanced Precautions for Extreme Freezing Conditions

In cases of severe freezing, further steps should be taken to ensure the safety of your pipes:

1. Ensure a Trickle of Water

Keep the main supply of water on full and maintain a trickle of water at the farthest point in your water system, especially if there are branches. Turn them on to a trickle as well, as still water is more prone to freezing.

2. Use Air Compressors to Blow Out Pipes

If you can, use an air compressor to blow the lines clear. This will remove any remaining water and help to prevent freezing.

3. Drain the Entire System

Drain your total system as if it were being shut down for the winter. This includes draining the water heater, pressure tank, and toilets. Open all taps to allow the system to drain completely. Use a healthy amount of propylene glycol in traps to prevent them from freezing.

4. Utilize Proper Design Practices

If the system was designed properly, ensure that there are hose bibbs at the lowest and highest points of the system. Turn off the main supply, open the highest and lowest bibbs to drain the system thoroughly.

Seek Professional Help

(Optional) For peace of mind and to avoid potential damage, consider hiring a trusted handyman to perform these tasks. Ensure they are qualified and have a good track record. If they fail to do a good job, you can sue them if necessary.