ALERT: WHEN IS IT COLD ENOUGH TO FREEZE PIPES?

WHEN IS IT COLD ENOUGH TO FREEZE PIPES?

When should homeowners be especially alert to the risk of freezing pipes?

That depends, but generally before 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Centigrade) is experienced…

Frozen pipes can really cause damage and prevention is key, when outside temperatures drop, which is the forecast for overnight later this week.  Hence this alert

frozen.pipe.in.garage

Any wind added to those below-freezing temperatures will increase the risk even further.

We obviously cannot control the weather and so our only defense is education and preparation.

Ensure water hoses are dis-connected and drained;  then open the outside faucet.  Then, shut off the water from inside your home – if the outside faucet is not already frost-free.

If shut-offs cannot be located, another prevention is to let the water run , which will withstand cold temperatures better than standing water.

Keep alert for weather forecasts as to below-freezing temperatures !

Minus 5 Celsius

Pipes will only freeze if water-filled and cold enough, since the force to burst the pipes is actually the freeze-expansion force happening inside; an empty pipe cannot freeze.

If you happen to suffer frozen pipes, regardless, best to have pre-hired or be a Plumber – as they will all be very busy once temperatures rise again and leaks happen all over the place…

Good advice from your  New Westminster Home Inspector .