However, you should avoid frozen water pipes whenever possible. Not only will a broken pipe cause you a lot of trouble,. The short answer is “no. Not only will a broken pipe cause you a lot of problems, but it can also cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair water damage.
The good news is that by watching for the warning signs of frozen pipes, you can help protect your family from unnecessary hardship and unwanted expenses. Copper, steel, PVC, PEX and other plastic pipes are all susceptible to freezing, and copper is the most vulnerable to breakage when frozen. PEX, PVC and other plastics freeze but don't always explode. This is a complicated question that experts have explored thoroughly.
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but interior pipes are somewhat protected from extreme outside temperatures, even in unheated areas of the house, such as the attic or garage. Just because it's 32 degrees outside doesn't mean the pipes reach those temperatures. You can easily check the water pressure by connecting a pressure gauge to the sink nozzle and opening the faucet. The pressure will move the needle and show the pressure in psi (pounds per square inch).
Most homes have a water pressure between 30 and 50 psi. Avoid exceeding 60 psi, as this could damage pipes and plumbing fixtures. If your home's water pressure is too high, ask a professional to install a pressure reducing valve to adjust it to safer levels. A broken water main or a broken pipe means your system must work harder to maintain the supply to your faucets and other accessories.
Therefore, reduced or irregular water pressure could be a sign that you have a leak. While there are some potential causes of unreliable water pressure, it's important to find the reason quickly to prevent water damage. If the pipe is inaccessible or your efforts don't work, call a plumber to defrost your pipes. Years of slow corrosion in construction will eventually cause pipes to fail, which could result in your home needing a repair or replacement of all plumbing pipes.
You can cut off the water supply to the entire house or just to the frozen pipe area, whichever is more accessible. However, if you take steps to alleviate this potential pressure in the event that your efforts to prevent pipes from freezing fail, you can still prevent a pipe from breaking. If the outside temperature is lower than 32 degrees F and the pipes are unprotected, the chances of a pipe freezing increase. For more information on how to protect their pipes, defrost them, or repair pipes that have broken, residents of the Pittsburgh area can contact Terry's Plumbing.
Another safety measure that can help prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate all water supply pipes with foam covers. If you're not sure which pipes in your home are vulnerable and to what temperatures, ask a licensed plumber to check them. A lot depends on where the pipes are located and how much insulation you have in the pipes themselves, as well as on the space that surrounds them. However, water pipes in areas that experience prolonged cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and open suddenly.
This simple step keeps water moving through the pipes so it doesn't freeze, which in turn prevents pressure from building up inside the pipe. If a water pipe breaks in your home, it's important to act quickly to prevent the water from seriously damaging your home and your belongings. Typical areas at high risk of freezing include outer piles and pipes within outer walls, as well as exposed pipes that run through unheated or uninsulated areas, such as attics or basements. .
