As winter rolls in, it’s extremely important you know how to prevent pipes from freezing. The areas where pipes are most susceptible to freezing include the attic, basement, crawlspace, and exterior walls. These problem areas are typically poorly insulated, allowing the cold air to have a greater effect on plumbing.
When water freezes in your pipes – whether due to quick drops in outside temperatures, poor insulation, or your thermostat being set too low – its volume expands and puts pressure on the pipe from inside. This can cause a pipe to burst. But, even a small crack or two can be the start of some devastating and expensive water and plumbing damage to living spaces.
Water supply lines are routinely routed through attic spaces, particularly in homes built on a slab, and water supercools several degrees below freezing before any ice begins to form. In research tests at the University of Illinois, water pipes placed in an unheated, insulated attic consistently started forming ice when the outdoor temperature dipped just below 20º Fahrenheit.
Cracks don’t have to be massively large to cause a fair amount of damage. A ¼-inch split in a water line caused by freezing can potentially unleash 600 gallons of water per hour when the pipe thaws. This torrent will quickly permeate through openings in ceilings and soak rooms below. Water will also cascade into the interior of wall cavities and flood deep into the structure.
This creates thousands of dollars worth of damage, which is why homeowners should take a proactive approach toward preventing such a problem.
To avoid water damage and inevitable mold contamination to your home, here are some ways you can help keep your attic protected this winter.
Protect Your Attic from Winter Damage
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Placing a layer of insulation, specifically designed for this purpose, around the exposed pipes in your attic offers a barrier of protection against the freezing temperatures.
Wherever water supply lines pass through the attic, foam pipe insulation sleeves should be installed on all exposed spans. The more insulation you use, the better.
Pipe insulation is inexpensive, easy to find and to install. So, there’s really no reason not to use it.
Simply laying batts of existing fiberglass insulation over the pipes or burying the pipes in loose-fill cellulose insulation is not sufficient.
Also, make sure all sections of the pipe are insulated by covering rounded elbows, t-joints, and other irregular spans.
Use Heat Tape or Heat Cables with a Thermostat Control on Problem Pipes
If you have a span of pipe particularly vulnerable to low temperatures, electric heating tape or heat cables act like an electric blanket for them.
Controlled by a thermostat to activate only when the attic temperature plunges dangerously low, the tape typically consumes about five watts per foot. Therefore, a six-foot span of a problem pipe would only use about thirty watts when activated in cold temperatures. Please note, because of potential hazards, a professional plumber or electrician must install pipe heat tape and cables.
Consider PEX Pipe
PEX is flexible cross-linked polyethylene now commonly installed as household water supply lines instead of rigid copper. PEX has a chemical structure giving it flexibility to withstand pressure increases and perform better in the winter.
Though PEX is not entirely resistant to damage if extremely frigid temperatures strike, its flexibility makes it more freeze-tolerant and less likely to rupture than traditional piping during normal winter weather.
Open Interior Attic Access Points
Letting warmer air from your home’s living areas to make its way into the colder attic area will help prevent pipes from freezing.
Operate an Attic Fan and Leave Vents Open
There is a common misconception the ventilation provided by an attic fan is only necessary during the hotter summer months, but this is not the case.
Your attic fan’s ventilation can help prevent ice dams, reduce moisture, and prevent mold and mildew. Further, do not cover roof vents during the cold months.
Roof ventilation works to keep temperatures consistent, and closing vents makes the attic space too warm and dry, which are dangerous conditions for mold as well as pests.
Taking proactive steps to prevent leaks due to freezing attic pipes is essential for safeguarding your home against the harsh winter conditions. By taking preventative measures, and including regular inspections by a professional plumber, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage from frozen pipes in your attic.
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Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
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