Water Pipes In Attic Freezing

Here are 10 ways to keep your pipes from freezing even during a record cold snap.

Water pipes in attic freezing.

Placing water pipes in outside walls greatly increases the risk of frozen and burst pipes in cold climates. If you look up in your attic and find exposed pipes you really need to take immediate action. Running pex in an attic. Because there are.

Pipe insulation is often remarkably inexpensive and it is a small investment compared to the repair costs of a burst water pipe. The cost will run about 50 70 per foot. This can cause a burst pipe but even a small crack or two can be the start of some devastating and expensive water and. For a variety of reasons from pipe damage under a slab to home design constraints water pipes may need to be run or rerouted through a home s attic.

The best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation. Because water always flows downward freezing attic pipes that rupture are especially damaging to the living spaces below. Field tests of residential water systems showed that for uninsulated pipes installed in an unheated attic freezing began when the outside temperature fell to 20 f or below. As winter rolls in it s vital that you know how to prevent pipes from freezing.

When water freezes in your pipes whether due to quick drops in outside temperatures poor insulation or the thermostat set too low its volume expands and puts pressure on the pipe from inside. If you notice plumbing pipes that are fully exposed to the elements understand that you are playing a game of water damage russian roulette and eventually you will lose. Surprisingly both hot and cold pipes can be at risk. Insulate any attic pipes that transfer water.

For severe climes opt for wrapping problem pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length which will turn on at. But plumbing pipes in an unheated area such as an attic crawl space and garage are at risk of freezing. In many areas of the country where homes are built on a slab foundation water supply lines are routinely routed through the attic space. It s smart to insulate water supply piping exposed to freezing temp.