Why Does a Plumbing System Freeze?
Plumbing systems freeze from prolonged exposure to freezing temperature
without being adequately equipped to resist the temperatures. Certain
parts of plumbing systems are more prone than others to freeze. Plumbing
that is situated in exterior walls, outside pipes and pipes that are in
unheated areas of the home or building are the most vulnerable and should
have steps taken to prevent freezing and the corresponding damage that
occurs. These problems can become destructive and expensive in a very
short time. If
pipe bursts occur, water damage can cause very involved repairs that can interrupt
businesses or the lives of families.
How Can I Prevent This?
When freezing pipes occur in exterior walls, it usually due to a lack of
sufficient insulation in these walls. In some municipalities, the codes
have begun to exclude the practice of placing piping in these walls. The
existing insulation can slip from its backing or other issues that cause
the insulation to shift, become depleted and ineffective. Often, this
is only noticed after pipes have frozen in the walls. Because of this,
people should incur the cost of replacing the insulation with a proper
installation. This is especially true if the plumbing is being repaired
from prior freezing.
Outside pipes are obviously at risk. However, there are many products that
are produced specifically to shield these pipes from freezing. They are
available in a sock type form and also as a taping product. Products that
involve taping with special materials are normally necessary in areas
that below freezing temperatures occur for extended periods of time. In
addition, water hoses should be disconnected from faucet spigots. Frozen
hoses keep enough air pressure in the system to burst interior pipes in
the home that are not prone to freezing. Disconnecting the hoses will
prevent this. Also in areas like these, the water should be cut at the
source and the system drained of any water. This will prevent the expansion
that bursts pipes in these conditions.
Why Is It Important To Keep This From Happening?
Pipes that are in unheated areas of the home or business can be the most
detrimental when frozen. These pipes are located in crawl spaces and attics,
and can cause severe damage before the problem is noted. In addition,
these pipes should be drained and protected significantly from this occurrence.
Usually basements are warmer than these places, and the occurrence of
freezing in basement pipes is rare. However, diligence and preparation
are the best prophylactics against freezing pipes and the expense of the damage.
Is the cold Ruston winter making you think about the security of your plumbing
system? Call Mark Johnson Plumbing today at (318) 257-6167
for top quality frozen pipe services.
